Kenyan teachers received awards for outstanding contributions on October 5, 2026, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, during the national World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
Additionally, outstanding performers in the child protection, talent development, ICT, mentorship, and sustainable development fields were also awarded.
Top-performing educators in early childhood education and school leadership were also celebrated and recognized for their excellence.
List of Teachers Awarded and Categories
Ewoi Raphael Echakan received the Early Year Educator Award, while Esther Wambui Macharia was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the teaching profession.
Judith Ingado received the School Leadership Excellence Award, with Abdi Aden Digale named the Child Protection Champion.
Esther Kaptengei was recognized for Co-Curriculum and Talent Development, while Daniel Winyo received the Early Career Educator Award.
Abdi Alisam received the Inclusive Educator Award, while John Kahindi Lentoya received the Innovation and ICT in Teaching Award.
Felix Kamaku Mbona received the International Award, while George Muororo Letivo was recognized as the Most Resilient Teacher.
Tabitha Mugoncho was awarded the 2025 National Honors, while Janet Malisa received the Sustainable Development Educator Award.
Joshua Maliazo Atsali also received the Teacher Mentor Award.
Also Read: Ruto Announces 20,000 New Teacher Jobs and Ksh4.9B Plan for 20,000 to Get Permanent Jobs
Ruto on Teachers’ Role in Education Reforms
Speaking during the World Teachers’ Day 2026 address, President William Ruto described teachers as “heroes and patriots” who are shaping Kenya by preparing future professionals and citizens.
“Every parent cares for their own children. A teacher is asked to care for everyone else’s children. And you do so every single day. No profession shapes our nation more. As others build kenya, you also build Kenya, and you will build the people who build Kenya,” Ruto stated.
According to Ruto, the government had recruited 100,000 teachers over four years, with another 20,000 expected to be recruited by December 2026.
Citing the implementation of Competency-Based Education, Ruto noted that 220,000 teachers had been retooled, 23,000 classrooms had been constructed, and 1,600 laboratories had been equipped.
Teachers Welfare and Professionalism
The President also discussed teacher welfare, stating that 126,462 teachers had been promoted, while the promotion budget had been increased to KSh2 billion.
The government has also allocated KSh8.1 billion for salary increases under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“We are delivering on remuneration as well. This year’s budget provides a further KSh 8.1 billion to keep the agreement on schedule,” President William Ruto explained on welfare plans by the government.
Ruto also emphasized measures targeting teachers’ healthcare, housing, and retirement benefits, including plans to reserve 20 percent of affordable housing units for teachers and a pension system intended to process retirement benefits within 10 days.
Also Read: Ruto Announces New Salary Deduction Scheme for Teachers
Teachers at Center of Future Skills
The President also linked the role of teachers to Kenya’s preparations for a technology-driven economy, urging educators to continuously acquire new skills, particularly in digital tools, artificial intelligence, data and STEM education.
According to Ruto, 58 percent of learners in the pioneer Competency-Based Education class selected STEM pathways, and he argued for the growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
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