Five Kenyan high school students have been selected to represent the country at the 65th edition of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), one of the world’s most prestigious mathematics tournaments.
The participants are Cynthia Kathomi Mworia from Kenya High School, Gilbert Ongoro from Alliance High School, Tony Rotich Odhiambo from Light Academy Nairobi, Alfred Githui Muriu from Nairobi School, and Lenny Muriungi Mutuma from Oloolaiser High School in Kajiado County.
This year’s IMO will be held from July 11 to July 22 at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, featuring participants from over 100 countries, including Canada, the USA, China, India, and South Korea.
The students were selected from a pool of 8,000 who participated in the 2024 Kenya Mathematics Olympiad (KMO) contest, organized by the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and the University of Waterloo, Canada.
CEMASTEA’s Deputy STEM Coordinator, Mr. Martin Mungai, praised the students’ proficiency in various mathematical disciplines, including algebra, geometry, calculus, number theory, combinatorics, and advanced problem-solving techniques. He expressed confidence that they would bring home gold medals.
During a flagging-off ceremony at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Mungai emphasized the importance of such competitions in enhancing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
He noted that participating in the IMO raises students’ profiles and can be advantageous for those aiming to join Ivy League universities.
The Kenyan team’s prospects are bolstered by Master Tony Rotich’s acceptance to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for undergraduate studies on a full scholarship.
However, Nyang’ori High School’s Elvis Obulemire Atsulu, who also qualified for the contest, will not participate due to visa issues.
Mungai highlighted the unique opportunity the IMO provides for Kenyan students to interact with top mathematicians worldwide.
He stressed the need for more girls to participate in such competitions, as it builds self-esteem and confidence.
He also pointed out that improving performance in mathematics is crucial for achieving Vision 2030, advocating for mathematics and science to be prioritized in schools.
He praised the joint efforts of CEMASTEA, the University of Nairobi, and the Centre for Mathematics and Computing in promoting excellence in mathematics education through problem-solving strategies.
In a previous round of the Kenya Mathematics Olympiad, 258 Form 1 and 2 students were selected in the junior category, while 504 Form 3 and 4 students were selected in the senior category.
The International Mathematical Olympiad, first held in Romania in 1959, is the oldest of the International Science Olympiads.
The Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) is another prestigious event, organized annually by the African Mathematics Union (AMU), where Kenya has been a participant and host.
The Kenyan delegation is poised to demonstrate its mathematical prowess on the global stage, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and critical thinking among its youth.
