26/08/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ฒ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฐ๐จ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ
The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), in partnership with the University of Nairobi and the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo, Canada, successfully hosted the 2026 Kenya Mathematics Olympiad (KMO) Round Two Boot Camp from August 12 - 14, 2026, at CEMASTEA, Karen, Nairobi. The three-day residential programme brought together 169 learners and 46 teachers from across the country for intensive mathematical enrichment, advanced problem-solving, mentorship and competition aimed at nurturing the next generation of mathematical talent.
The participants earned their places in the boot camp through a highly competitive selection process that began with the 2026 KMO Challenge Round, which attracted more than 6,000 learners from junior and senior school categories nationwide. Learners who excelled advanced to KMO Round One, where they undertook rigorous mathematical problem-solving assessments. Following this process, the top 169 learners qualified for the Round Two Boot Camp.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony, CEMASTEA Board of Governors member Tom Ngeri congratulated the learners on their achievement, describing their selection as a reflection of Kenya's rich mathematical talent and potential. He encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the three-day programme to strengthen their problem-solving skills, build confidence and pursue excellence. Ngeri reaffirmed CEMASTEA's commitment to nurturing STEM talent through strategic partnerships and highlighted Kenya's growing success in regional and international mathematics competitions, including the country's historic first gold medal at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO).
In her remarks, CEMASTEA Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Gladys Masai called for enhanced support from the Ministry of Education to mainstream the Kenya Mathematics Olympiad within the national education calendar, strengthen institutional support and provide dedicated funding for learner outreach, training and mentorship programmes. She stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for learners to interact and learn from one another through extended camps and collaborative activities, noting that peer learning is essential in nurturing mathematical excellence. Mrs. Masai further reaffirmed CEMASTEA's commitment to ensuring equitable access to talent development opportunities regardless of learners' geographical location or personal circumstances.
The boot camp provided learners with exposure to advanced mathematical concepts, competition techniques and collaborative problem-solving approaches under the guidance of experienced trainers and mentors. Organizers from CEMASTEA and the University of Nairobi, represented by Mr. Martin Mungai and Dr. John Katende respectively, noted that the programme was designed not only to identify outstanding mathematical talent but also to inspire and prepare learners for higher levels of competition and future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in intensive training sessions that emphasized critical thinking, analytical reasoning, creativity and perseverance. The boot camp also highlighted the role of mathematics in addressing real-world challenges and provided learners with opportunities to interact with peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds.
The Kenya Mathematics Olympiad serves as a national talent development platform that identifies and nurtures learners with exceptional mathematical ability. Through a structured pathway of competitions, training and mentorship, participants can progress to represent Kenya in prestigious international contests, including PAMO and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Pius Mutisya, Chairperson of the CEMASTEA Board of Governors, praised the learners for their dedication and outstanding performance throughout the competition process. He underscored the importance of programmes such as KMO in fostering innovation, critical thinking and excellence in mathematics and STEM education. Dr. Mutisya also encouraged the participants to become ambassadors of mathematics in their schools and communities while commending Kenya's continued success in international mathematics competitions.
Representing the CEMASTEA Chief Executive Officer during the closing ceremony, Dr. Karanja Mutitu, Director of STEM Research and Innovation, urged participants to embrace resilience and perseverance in their mathematical journey, noting that meaningful problem-solving often requires patience and determination. He also congratulated the teachers whose learners participated in the Olympiad, recognizing their vital role in identifying and nurturing talent. Dr. Mutitu encouraged the learners to share the knowledge and experiences gained during the boot camp with their peers, emphasizing that mentoring others would further deepen their own understanding and sharpen their problem-solving skills.
The successful conclusion of the 2026 KMO Round Two Boot Camp marks another significant milestone in Kenya's efforts to identify, nurture and celebrate young mathematical talent. It also reinforces the country's commitment to strengthening STEM education and preparing learners to compete confidently on continental and global stages.
Click the links below for more.
https://educationnews.co.ke/kenya-mathematics-olympiad-round-two-boot-camp-begins-at-cemastea/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8QuzMCPpf8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXx7EKcrocw
