Nairobi: Four top students have earned prestigious three-year mathematics scholarships at the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) in Kigali, Rwanda. The students managed to excel in the Pan-African Rising Stars Mathematics Contest held at the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Karen, Nairobi.
According to Kenya News Agency, the drive, which is part of the AOA’s talent recruitment camp tour, seeks to identify and nurture the brightest young mathematicians from across the continent. The four stars are Gilbert Ogoro and Shawn Tunai from Alliance Boys High School, Tumi Imani from Lukenya High School, and Baraka Mulwa from Mangu High School.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CEMASTEA, Jacinta Akatsa, underscored the power of mathematics in solving everyday problems in a speech delivered on her behalf by Gladys Masai, Deputy Director of STEM Research and Innovation. ‘Mathematics is not just about solving problems, it is about nurturing creativity, critical thinking and a love for lifelong learning,’ she said, adding, ‘These skills are essential for building a better future, not only for Kenya but for Africa and the world.’
The intensive contest is specifically designed to prepare them for major global competitions such as the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Selected students will be awarded full scholarships to attend AOA, inclusive of tuition, boarding, uniform, and travel expenses.
Describing the camp as ‘life-changing,’ the CEO noted that it represents a significant step in nurturing young talent and advancing scientific innovation in Kenya. ‘This opportunity is a call for a bigger dream, to keep questioning, imagining, and pushing for your limits,’ she said, adding that ‘Our young talents are not just the future – they are creators and leaders.’
Throughout the camp, participants engage in advanced problem-solving sessions and receive mentorship from top Olympiad coaches. The students were selected from across Kenya based on their performance at the Kenya Math Olympiad (KMO), which is organized by CEMASTEA, the University of Nairobi, and the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) based at the University of Waterloo. KMO reaches over 17,000 students from more than 250 schools.
The camps recently took place in Johannesburg, Kigali, and Arusha and will continue on to Kampala, followed by Gaborone for PAMO 2025. The Co-founder and Executive Director of the African Olympiad Academy, Arun Shanmuganathan, said that the Academy chose to conduct recruitment in Kenya because they have multitalented students who have the potential to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges.
Shanmuganathan explained that the Math Olympiad program provides young students with early opportunities to nurture their dreams and sharpen their problem-solving skills. ‘The Math Olympiad program challenges young stars to think critically, generate innovative ideas, and develop practical solutions to real-world problems.’
He further said, ‘the students we have selected and given a three-year offer showed remarkable potential, and we believe they will compete at the highest global levels. Our hope is that, after completing the programme, they return with open minds, rich ideas, and a passion for solving complex problems.’
Deputy Coordinator for STEM, Martin Mungai, emphasized that the initiative is an exciting step towards developing a deeper appreciation for mathematics, particularly among students with exceptional talent. He added that while the program emphasizes promoting mathematical excellence, it also plays a crucial role in cultivating a strong mathematical culture and discipline.
Senior Lecturer Dr. James Katende from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Mathematics said problem-solving skills are highly relevant in today’s job market, with many industries seeking innovative thinkers and solution-driven individuals to drive change and promote growth. He challenged the successful students to become Africa’s torchbearers by pushing their limits and aspiring to be future tech leaders.
The successful students pledged to fully utilize the program as a tool to create meaningful change in Kenya and beyond.