Kenyan Students Among Top Winners at Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad Camp in Rwanda.
Four exceptional students have secured prestigious three-year scholarships at the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) in Kigali, Rwanda. The scholarships were awarded after their outstanding performance at the Pan-African Rising Stars Mathematics Contest, hosted at the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Karen, Nairobi.
The winning students — Gilbert Ogoro and Shawn Tunai from Alliance Boys High School, Tumi Imani from Lukenya High School, and Baraka Mulwa from Mangu High School — distinguished themselves among thousands of participants.
The Pan-African Rising Stars Mathematics Contest is part of AOA’s broader talent recruitment camp tour, aimed at discovering and nurturing Africa’s brightest mathematical minds. This initiative is specially designed to prepare students for global competitions like the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Selected students receive full scholarships that cover tuition, boarding, travel, and uniforms, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to further their mathematical pursuits.
During the event, Jacinta Akatsa, CEO of CEMASTEA, emphasized through a speech read by Gladys Masai, Deputy Director of STEM Research and Innovation, that mathematics nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning skills. She stated that these competencies are vital for shaping a better future, not just for Kenya but for Africa and the world at large.
Describing the camp as transformative, Akatsa highlighted that it symbolizes a pivotal moment in the nurturing of scientific innovation and young talent. She called upon students to continue dreaming big, pushing their boundaries, and embracing their roles as future creators and leaders.
Rigorous Selection and Training
The students selected for the scholarship program were chosen based on their outstanding results in the Kenya Mathematics Olympiad (KMO), an initiative organized by CEMASTEA, the University of Nairobi, and the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo. The KMO reaches over 17,000 students from more than 250 schools across Kenya.
Throughout the training camp, participants engage in advanced problem-solving activities and mentorship under the guidance of top Olympiad coaches to enhance their skills for international competitions.
AOA’s recruitment camps recently concluded sessions in Johannesburg, Kigali, and Arusha, with upcoming events scheduled in Kampala and Gaborone ahead of PAMO 2025.
Arun Shanmuganathan, Co-founder and Executive Director of the African Olympiad Academy, expressed that Kenya was chosen for recruitment due to its pool of multitalented students capable of tackling global challenges. He remarked that these students have the intellect and creativity necessary to excel in research, artificial intelligence development, and medical innovations.
Shanmuganathan said the Math Olympiad program provides a vital platform for young learners to cultivate their dreams and sharpen their problem-solving abilities.
“The Math Olympiad program challenges young stars to think critically, generate innovative ideas, and develop practical solutions to real-world problems,” he said. He added that the selected students demonstrated extraordinary potential and are expected to compete globally with distinction.
He also motivated young mathematicians who missed out, assuring them of future opportunities with the Academy and encouraging them to stay passionate and determined.
Transforming Perceptions of Mathematics
Responding to the widespread fear of mathematics among students, Shanmuganathan clarified that the subject is not inherently difficult or reserved for a select few. He emphasized that mathematics revolves around creativity, logical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving rather than mere memorization of formulas.
“Here at the Olympiad, students find mathematics as fun and engaging as any other subject,” he noted. “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.”
Martin Mungai, Deputy Coordinator for STEM, described the initiative as a vital step in cultivating a profound appreciation for mathematics among exceptionally talented students. He highlighted that while the programme prioritizes mathematical excellence, it also fosters discipline and a robust mathematical culture.
He noted that the students were meticulously selected from a pool of over 16,000 participants, with guidance from experienced Olympiad coaches to prepare them for global competition.
Senior Lecturer Dr. James Katende from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Mathematics stressed the relevance of problem-solving skills in today’s job market. He pointed out that industries are actively seeking individuals who are innovative and solution-oriented to drive progress.
Addressing the students, Katende encouraged them to aim for leadership in technology and innovation, citing figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg as inspiration. He advised, “Keep practicing to perfect your skills. 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 victorious students committed to maximizing the scholarship opportunity to foster positive change in Kenya and across Africa.
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