Mathematics was always one of my best subjects, well, at least that’s the story I liked to tell. I genuinely enjoyed it (most of the time), and let’s be honest, I did ace my exams… almost every time. Okay, fine, sometimes I struggled with those equations, calculus, probability and logarithms, but I survived.

But then there’s Pie. Now that’s a subject I never struggled with. Whether it’s classic apple pie, a rich chocolate pie, or just a humble fruit pie, it is universally loved. I mean, who could fail at enjoying that? No complicated formulas, no tricky equations, just pure deliciousness.

And speaking of Pi (and Pie), with World Pi Day on 14th March 2025, the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) and School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) decided to take things up a notch. The two powerhouses teamed up and created an entire week packed with challenging trivias that tested everyone’s math skills, and trust me, everyone was on the edge of their seats to Pi-n their victories! 

Amidst all the excitement, we had the opportunity to join a super fun cooking class led by Dr. David Chiawo, Dean of the School, along with his brilliant Tourism and Hospitality students. They showed us how math is at the heart of baking, especially when it comes to creating the perfect pie. After soaking up all that knowledge, we got to indulge in the pies and savor their deliciousness. Meanwhile, Dr. Godfrey Madigu and his team of math experts hosted a lively session of math quizzes, with his students participating as well. Everyone worked together to solve the challenges, creating a fun and interactive experience for all.

PI day participants being awarded. They all left with pies

And of course, the grand finale, Pi Day itself, March 14th! To celebrate, we kicked off a treasure hunt that sent staff and students all over campus, solving puzzles, cracking clues, and having a blast while doing it. It was a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and, of course, math.

And just when you thought the excitement couldn’t get any better, on Saturday, SIMS students and Graduate Assistants (GAs) had the incredible opportunity to teach and mentor Macheo students in mathematics on campus. It was an inspiring experience, as they shared their knowledge, helped the next generation grow, and passed on the priceless gift of education. A perfect way to wrap up the week, don’t you think?

So, whether you were crunching numbers or munching on a slice of pie, that week was a reminder that Pi (π) and Pie can both bring joy to our lives, just in different ways. Let’s celebrate the beauty of both, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll find a way to enjoy them together!

Happy World Pi Day!

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau