The Strathmore University Admissions Office and Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) recently hosted a mathematics contest, drawing over 20 high schools and over 400 students to Strathmore University on September 21, 2024. The stakes were high, with scholarship opportunities for the top two girls and top two boys on the line, making it a nail-biting event filled with anticipation and excitement.
The atmosphere was charged with energy as young mathletes from across the country gathered to showcase their prowess in numbers, logic, and critical thinking. The competition was fierce, but two students rose above the rest to claim the ultimate prize. Waswa Shallom Nasiaki of Kenya High School and Shadrack Maingi of Mangu High School were crowned the Queen and King of the Strathmore Math Contest, each securing an undergraduate degree scholarship to the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences worth approximately Kshs. 2.5 million.
The battle for the top spot was not without drama. The boys’ category saw a heated contest as three students, Valentino Ongwae, Allan Nzioka (both from Alliance High School), and Shadrack Maingi of Mangu High School, all tied with 19 points. This unprecedented tie led to an intense tie-breaker round, with each competitor vying for the coveted scholarship. In the end, it was Shadrack Maingi who emerged victorious, proving his mettle under pressure.
The runners-up, Muroki Bridgit Mwende of Chogoria Girls High School and Valentino Ongwae of Alliance High School, also showcased their mathematics prowess and were awarded scholarships for a professional course of their choice worth Kshs. 350,000 each.
During the event, Dr. Godfrey Madigu, Dean SIMS, captivated the students with a talk on the beauty and universality of mathematics. “Wherever you go, you will encounter mathematics, regardless of the path you choose. If you master mathematics, the world is your oyster,” he remarked, motivating the students to embrace the subject and explore its limitless possibilities.
The contest also recognized the top-performing schools in various categories. In the girls’ category, Kenya High School took the top spot, followed by Kapropita Girls and Chogoria Girls High School. The boys’ category saw Alliance High School clinch first place, with Kanga High School and Maseno School coming in second and third, respectively. In the mixed category, Kabarak High School triumphed, followed by Kianda School and Sacho High School.
According to Fenuel Kalulu, Admissions Manager, the 2024 Strathmore University Mathematics Contest was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of young talent, determination, and the transformative power of education.
“As the winners take a step closer to their dreams, Strathmore University remains committed to nurturing young individuals and providing opportunities for academic excellence,” said Kalulu.
Article written by Stephen Wakhu
