The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Africa (CEMASTEA) just wrapped up its second round of the Kenya Mathematics Olympiad in the hallowed halls of Nyahururu Boys’ High School. And let me tell you, it was a showdown of epic proportions!
CEMASTEA, in cahoots with the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing from the University of Waterloo Canada and the University of Nairobi, put together this mind-bending Olympiad. It’s like the Avengers of math education coming together to test our young Einsteins!
A whopping 750 students from all corners of Kenya descended upon the competition like a swarm of eager bees. Talk about a math-a-palooza! But only 20 brave souls stepped up to face the numerical gauntlet at Nyahururu High School – a shining beacon of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the region.
Now, brace yourselves for the twist in the plot! Out of those 750 contestants, only 50 math maestros will make it to the third and final round. It’s like a reality TV show, but instead of roses, it’s all about prime numbers and equations!
Speaking after the intense mathematical workout in Nyahururu, CEMASTEA Deputy Director, Lydiah Mureithi, revealed their grand plan. The goal is simple – to crown the best overall math whiz in the land. Each elimination round is like a crucible, forging the brightest minds for the ultimate challenge – the international Olympia!
But hey, it’s not just about winning medals and trophies. Mureithi emphasized that for Kenya’s vision 2030 to become a reality, math and science need to take center stage in schools. It’s like the foundation of a majestic skyscraper – strong, sturdy, and essential for reaching new heights!
Mathematics, she explained, equips students with the superpowers to tackle complex challenges they encounter every day. It’s like a superhero’s toolkit, where numbers become their sidekicks in battling real-world problems.
CEMASTEA is on a mission to make math cool, like the rock stars of the academic world. They want students to fall head over heels in love with mathematics, appreciating it just like any other subject in school. After all, math is the key to unlocking our critical thinking superpowers!
No calculators allowed in this math battleground! It’s like asking a chef to whip up a gourmet meal without their favorite kitchen gadgets. Numerical answers only, my friends, so put those equations to the test with nothing but your wits and a trusty pencil.
Participating students couldn’t contain their excitement, calling the Olympiad a mind-expanding experience. It’s like teleporting their math skills to a whole new dimension, thinking beyond the textbooks and into uncharted territories of numbers.
Now, the top students from this region will go head-to-head with other math warriors from different schools in September. It’s like a showdown of epic proportions, where equations are the weapons of choice!
Every participant gets a certificate of participation, like a badge of honor for their math prowess. And the top dog will receive a certificate of merit before venturing into the East Africa region mathematics Olympiad. It’s like earning a VIP ticket to the math Olympics!
