Kenya's best Maths teacher is a rookie

The best Mathematics teacher is 25 and only two years out of university.

Mr Benjamin Kimuyu, fresh out of Kenyatta University, took over the class in Form Three and taught them for two years. That class emerged the best in the country in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams. Of the 22 students at Maasai Girls Secondary School in Ngong, Kajiado, 15 had straight As in maths. The lowest score was an amazing B-.

“All subjects are equal, all it takes is a positive attitude,” the teacher told the Nation at the school on Wednesday.

What is his magic potion?

“I use everyday experiences and the environment to explain mathematical concepts that have been perceived as difficult by students,” he said, adding that his rule of thumb is to leave class only after the students have asked questions.

Time for revision

Mr Kimuyu has taught at the school for two years since his graduation in December 2008 from Kenyatta University with a degree in Bachelor of Education — science, physics and mathematics option.

And he ensures that by the end of second term in Form Four, he has covered the syllabus, leaving the whole of third term for revision.

“The students are more relaxed knowing that we have covered all ground by September,” he said.

As the exams approach, he explained, he concentrates on building the student’s confidence when he encourages them to think broadly and explore concepts they did not understand when the topic was covered in class. There are also discussion groups, made up of students of mixed abilities.