TEAM KENYA SET FOR THE 67TH INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD IN SHANGHAI, CHINA

Kenya is proudly represented at the 67th International Mathematics Olympiad [IMO], to be held in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, from 12th to 22nd July 2026. By Team Kenya, consisting of five exceptionally gifted students selected purely on merit: Gilbert Ongoro, Shawn Kimutai, Alvin Komu, Jed Oloo, and Mulwa Baraka. 

Team Kenya 

The team is accompanied by: 

Team Leader: Dr. James Katende – University of Nairobi 

Deputy Team Leader: Mr. Martin Mungai – CEMASTEA 

Selection & Preparation 

The students emerged from a rigorous national process organised by KMO, a joint outfit by CEMASTEA, UoN and the University of Waterloo formed to advance a strong math culture in our schools, that attracted over 16,000 learners across the country. Selection was conducted through three rounds of competitive testing. This partnership underscores Kenya’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening STEM education. 

In further preparation for the global contest, the team benefited from the African Olympiad Academy [AOA] Rising Star Program based in Rwanda. Under the leadership of Dr. Arun Shanmuganathan, an IMO finalist in 2011, the Academy provided air tickets and specialized contest preparation for the students. This support reflects the growing spirit of African collaboration in advancing mathematics excellence.

Team Kenya 

Performance and Outlook Team Kenya enters the IMO with great momentum, having recently won a Gold Medal at the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad [PAMO] in Côte d’Ivoire last month. 

According to Deputy Team Leader Mr. Martin Mungai, the team is confident and ready: “Our students have prepared thoroughly. We are optimistic that they will fly the Kenyan flag high at this prestigious global competition that has brought together 120 countries.” The People’s Republic of China is hosting this year’s 67th Olympiad. 

China has invested heavily in the advancement of the mathematics discipline, which has seen it produce the top team globally for the last 15 years. This is a clear testament to the role of mathematics in driving innovation, problem-solving, and national development.

#TeamKenya #IMO2026 #STEMKE