Former Cherangany Member of Parliament Wesley Korir has challenged young people to fully embrace mathematics as a powerful tool for solving everyday problems and driving innovation.
He encouraged learners to go beyond academic excellence and focus on applying mathematical knowledge to real-life challenges.
“Acquiring mathematics skills will help students become innovative and contribute meaningfully to society by generating new ideas and boosting the economy,” said Korir.
Reflecting on his journey from athletics to public service and now academia, Korir urged students to cultivate creativity and critical thinking, noting that modern challenges require analytical solutions.
“Today’s challenges are best solved through critical thinking. Learners must think beyond the classroom and develop solutions that can transform society,” he said.
Korir commended the students for their resilience and determination, urging them to make the most of their youth to build strong careers.
He further emphasised the importance of applying mathematics and science in everyday life, saying these skills are key to addressing global challenges.
Currently working with the University of Waterloo Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, Korir supports partnerships and linkages across Africa to promote problem-solving through mathematics.
“I represent the African continent in building partnerships and linkages with the University of Waterloo,” he said, adding that his work focuses on expanding opportunities for students in STEM fields.
Korir highlighted the global reach of CEMC, noting that the institution conducts some of the world’s largest mathematics contests, attracting over 300,000 students from more than 85 countries.
He urged the government to elevate mathematics into a standalone career pathway, citing the model used by the University of Waterloo.
“You can literally take mathematics as a career path,” he said, encouraging students to develop strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Korir pointed out that Kenya is among the leading African countries participating in such initiatives, alongside Rwanda and Ghana, through programmes aimed at strengthening mathematics education.
He underscored that Africa’s development challenges stem partly from gaps in problem-solving skills.
“If you become a problem solver, you can go back to your village and make money by solving people’s problems,” he said.
Drawing parallels with his athletics career, Korir stressed the importance of discipline and structured systems in nurturing excellence.
He called for greater institutional support for students representing the country in mathematics competitions, including official recognition similar to that given to athletes.
“When they go out there, they are not representing themselves, they are representing Kenya,” he said.
The training camp will see students undergo rigorous preparation ahead of major global competitions, including the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad and the International Mathematical Olympiad.
Top performers will earn scholarships and gain admission to the African Olympiad Academy in Kigali, Rwanda, to advance their studies.
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The programme is a collaborative effort involving CEMASTEA, the University of Nairobi, and the University of Waterloo’s CEMC—partnerships that, Korir said, are key to developing global champions in mathematics and science.
Korir, a former marathon world champion and Kenya’s 2016 Olympic representative, spoke during the opening ceremony of the 2026 African Olympiad Academy Rising Stars Training Camp held at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa.
By Kimutai Langat
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