A Machakos-based teacher has earned international recognition after being named among the Top 50 Best Teachers globally.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 17, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) congratulated Shalom Sila, noting the significance of the global honor and acknowledging the teacher’s contribution to education.
"Congratulations to Teacher Shalom Sila, a Chemistry and Physics teacher at St. Francis Misyani Girls High School in Machakos.
"The Teachers Service Commission celebrates your incredible achievement, of being selected among the Top 50 Best Teachers in the Global Teacher Prize 2026," the commission said.
The Global Teacher Prize is an international award that recognizes exceptional teachers who have made a significant impact on their students, schools, and communities.
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The prize was established in 2014 by the Varkey Foundation, a global charitable organization dedicated to improving education standards worldwide.
Teachers from around the world are nominated and assessed based on clear criteria, including innovation in teaching, measurable impact on student learning, contribution to the wider community, leadership, and dedication to education.
Each year, thousands of applications are reviewed, leading to the selection of a Global Top 50 list with the overall winner awarded $1 million.
Other teachers from Africa were also named among the Global Top 50, including Tijjani Mohammed Mukaddas and Adeola Olufunke Akinsulure from Nigeria.
Ghana was represented by Jusinta Kwakyewaa, while Togo’s nominee was Komlan Abalo Braly.
South Africa’s representative was Charnelle Nicole Arendse, Zimbabwe was represented by Nkosana Butholenkosi Masuku, and Zambia’s nominee was Misheck Mutuzana.
Rwanda’s selection was Jeremie Habumugisha, while Tanzania was represented by Mwanaidy Ally Mwacha.
This comes years after Othaya Girls School Principal Jane Kimiti was crowned as the best teacher in Africa.
Kimiti scooped the 2020 African Union Continental Teacher of the Year award for her various contributions to the education sector.
The award ceremony was held on Monday in Adis Ababa on December 21, 2020.
Kamiti was awarded for engaging in quality teaching which results in high standards of student achievement and for encouraging desirable behavior among students through positive feedback.
She was at the forefront of engaging in activities and networks that enhance the social and cultural value of learning and helping students to achieve their long term career goals by organizing engagement with relevant agencies and information.
The award came a year after she was awarded for her outstanding innovation in the school that has enabled the integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning.
