Maths Hackathon 2026

On Saturday, 11th April 2026, eMsingi hosted the final round of its Maths Hackathon at Strathmore University. A live in-person event that brought together eleven of Kenya’s most promising young mathematicians for a morning of rigorous problem-solving, teamwork and celebration.

The Hackathon marked the culmination of a three-round competition that began digitally. Of the 35 students who participated in the first two qualifying rounds, only 11 advanced to the final. The finalists, all in Grade 6 and aged between 10 and 12, represented schools from across the country including Kisumu, Kilifi, Bungoma, Nairobi, Eldoret and Thika — a reflection of the competition’s national reach and the broad appetite for mathematics engagement among young Kenyan learners.

The morning’s programme opened with a Speed Test, an individual paper  designed to assess wit, accuracy and mathematical reasoning under timed conditions. This was followed by The Maths Circle, a team-based activity involving puzzles, games and logic station rotations, in which teachers also participated alongside learners. Together, the two sessions tested both individual ability and collaborative thinking, reflecting e-Msingi’s broader philosophy of making learning active and engaging.

The event concluded at noon with an Awards and Induction Ceremony, where the top three finalists were recognised with trophies and certificates, and formally inducted into the National Maths Circle — a community of young mathematicians committed to continued growth beyond the competition. All finalists were also awarded certificates in recognition of their outstanding participation and achievement in reaching the national finals.

Final Results
First Place: Chantilly Schools, Kiambu
Second Place: Nova Pioneer
Third Place: Marell Academy, Bungoma

The Hackathon demonstrated what is possible when learners are given a structured yet stimulating environment to engage with mathematics beyond the standard curriculum. By connecting students from different regions and school contexts, the competition also underscored the value of shared academic experiences that transcend geography and background. Students who began the day as strangers left as friends — exchanging ideas, celebrating each other’s strengths and forming bonds rooted in curiosity, collaboration and a shared love for mathematics.

The eMsingi Subject Content Pillar, led by Magdalene Munyi, aims to support learners and engage them through innovative and enjoyable approaches to learning. For more information about eMsingi and its programmes, visit eMsingi.org.

Article written by Elizabeth Radina.