Kenyan educators celebrating excellence
Nominations Now Open

Elimu Awards2026

“Celebrating Excellence!”

Honoring the real heroes who shape the future of the African continent. Join us in celebrating educators, institutions, and leaders who are transforming Kenya's education landscape through innovation, dedication, and excellence.

December 2026
Nairobi, Kenya
About The Awards

Celebrating Kenya's Education Heroes

Modern Kenyan classroom
Early childhood education in Kenya
TVET technical training
University education in Kenya

Education: The Singular Most Important Engine for National Transformation

The Annual Elimu Awards is founded on the belief that education is the cornerstone of Kenya's development. In the 21st century, the definition of a "teacher" has evolved from a custodian of facts to a facilitator of global competencies, a mentor of character, and an architect of innovation.

By 2026, Kenya's educational landscape is a vibrant, complex mosaic. It includes the foundational pillars of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the enduring legacy of the 8-4-4 system, the specialized rigor of International Baccalaureate (IB) and IGCSE tracks, and the practical mastery found in TVETs, Mid-Level Colleges, and Universities.

This program seeks to harmonize these diverse paths under one banner: Excellence. We are creating a quality assurance mechanism that inspires every stakeholder to see education as a dynamic, high-value profession.

"This is not just a ceremony; it is a strategic intervention to restore the dignity of the teaching profession and celebrate the real heroes who shape the future of the African continent."

15+
Award Categories
1000+
Expected Nominations
50+
Awards to be Given
47
Counties Represented
Award Categories

Recognizing Excellence at Every Level

From early childhood education to university leadership, from individual teachers to corporate partners, we celebrate excellence across Kenya's entire education ecosystem.

Selection Process

How It Works

A rigorous, transparent process ensuring only the most deserving educators and institutions are recognized for their excellence.

01

Nomination

Complete the online nomination form with detailed achievements and supporting evidence including lesson plans, portfolios, photographs, and testimonials.

02

Verification

All nominations undergo thorough verification by the Nomination & Verification Committee to validate achievements and eligibility criteria.

03

Judging

Independent scoring by our distinguished Judges Panel using weighted criteria. Shortlisted nominees may be visited or interviewed for further validation.

04

Awards Ceremony

Join us at the prestigious Elimu Awards Gala in Nairobi to celebrate excellence and honor Kenya's education heroes.

Evaluation Criteria

Each nomination is evaluated based on standardized, weighted criteria that ensure fairness and recognize true excellence in education. Different categories may have slightly different weights based on their focus areas.

Detailed description of achievements (maximum 1,500 words)
Supporting evidence: portfolios, videos, testimonials
Letters of recommendation from stakeholders
Implementation & Pedagogy25%
Learner Outcomes & Impact20%
Assessment Innovation15%
Mentorship & Capacity Building15%
Equity & Inclusion15%
Sustainability10%
Key Dates

2026 Timeline

Mark your calendars and plan your nominations. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate Kenya's education heroes.

Now OpenApril 2026

Nominations Open

Submit your nominations through our online portal. All categories are now accepting entries.

August 2026

Nominations Close

Final deadline for all nominations. Ensure all supporting documents are submitted.

September 2026

Verification & Shortlisting

Nomination & Verification Committee reviews all submissions and creates shortlist.

October 2026

Judging & Site Visits

Judges Panel conducts independent scoring. Shortlisted nominees may receive visits or interviews.

December 2026

Awards Gala

Grand celebration of excellence at the Elimu Awards ceremony in Nairobi.

Nominations are currently open!
Partners & Sponsors

Supported By

Ministry of EducationGovernment Partner
Teachers Service CommissionGovernment Partner
Kenya Institute of Curriculum DevelopmentGovernment Partner
Partner Organization 1Platinum Sponsor
Partner Organization 2Gold Sponsor
Partner Organization 3Gold Sponsor
Partner Organization 4Silver Sponsor
Partner Organization 5Silver Sponsor

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us

Submit Nomination

Nominate an Education Hero

Know an exceptional educator, institution, or corporate partner making a difference? Submit your nomination today.

Nomination Type

Nominee Information

Include specific examples, measurable outcomes, and how the nominee has contributed to education excellence.

Supporting Evidence

Drag and drop files here, or click to browse

Accepted formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX, JPG, PNG, MP4 (Max 50MB per file)

Upload supporting documents such as: lesson plans, portfolios, assessment samples, photographs/videos (max 3 minutes), testimonials, official recognition letters, performance data, or letters of recommendation.

Your Information (Nominator)