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.
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 the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (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.”
She encouraged the students to keep striving for excellence, follow their passions, and remain committed to making a positive impact.
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.
He divulged that the students have the creativity and intellect to excel in fields such as research, artificial intelligence development, and disease cure innovation.
Shanmuganathan explained that the Math Olympiad programme 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.”
He also encouraged young, passionate math students who did not make it to the global stage to stay motivated, assuring them that the Academy will present more opportunities in the near future.
Shanmuganathan urged other talented youngsters to consider joining the Math Olympiad programme, promising that the Academy will continue investing in Kenya to tap and nurture emerging talent.
While answering the common fear of mathematics among learners, he dispelled the myth that the subject is inherently difficult or reserved for a select few.
He emphasized that mathematics is about creativity, logical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving — not just memorizing formulas and theories.
“Here at the Olympiad, students find mathematics as fun and engaging as any other subject,” he said, adding, “We are giving students the chance to be open-minded, to have fun, to think creatively, and to explore new ways of solving real problems.”
Deputy Coordinator for STEM, Martin Mungai, on his part said 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.
He said, “The goal is to nurture talented students in specific areas, helping them expand their potential and apply their skills on a global stage.”
“The students in this programme were selected from a pool of over 16,000, with a special focus on promoting mathematics.
He said they have been coached and supported by top Olympiad Coaches to hone their talents and enhance their skills to compete at the highest levels.
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, citing global innovators like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg as examples.
“Keep practicing to perfect your skills,” he told them. “We will support you with plenty of materials — if you need help, reach out. This program will add great value to your portfolio. Take advantage of it and, most importantly, don’t underestimate yourself.”
The successful students pledged to fully utilize the program as a tool to create meaningful change in Kenya and beyond.
By Ian Chepkuto
