Elimu Awards2026
FREE to nominate. Nominations open 1st May 2026 and close 30th June 2026.
🏆 KSh 0.5 Million Prize for the one in a million teacher in People's Choice Category
Celebrating Kenya's Education Heroes
A National Initiative to Recognize and Celebrate Excellence in Education
The Elimu Awards is a prestigious national awards program that recognizes and celebrates excellence across Kenya's entire education sector — from Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) to primary, secondary, TVET, and university levels.
It honors outstanding individuals, institutions, and corporate partners for their contributions to quality, innovation, equity, and impact in education. By championing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), inclusive education, digital learning, and environmental sustainability, we aim to transform Kenya's education landscape.
"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."
Our Objectives
Recognize Excellence
Celebrate outstanding contributions in Kenya's education sector from ECDE to university level.
Foster Innovation
Promote quality, equity, and innovation by identifying and rewarding best practices.
Inspire Educators
Motivate teachers and leaders through recognition and professional development opportunities.
Strengthen Partnerships
Engage corporates, foundations, and government in supporting educational excellence.
Share Knowledge
Document and disseminate impact stories to inform policy and improve teaching methodologies.
Voices Anticipating Kenya's Education Future
Education leaders and stakeholders share their expectations for how the inaugural Elimu Awards 2026 will elevate excellence in Kenya's education sector.
“The inaugural Elimu Awards 2026 will set a new standard for recognizing excellence in Kenya's education sector. We are excited to be part of this historic moment that celebrates the heroes transforming our nation's classrooms.”
Dr. Grace Wanjiku
Education Advocate & Policy Influencer
Nairobi County
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.
Nomination for all Elimu Awards categories is completely free.
Submit Your NominationHow It Works
A rigorous, transparent process ensuring only the most deserving educators and institutions are recognized for their excellence.
Nomination
Complete the online nomination form with detailed achievements and supporting evidence including lesson plans, portfolios, photographs, and testimonials.
Verification
All nominations undergo thorough verification by the Nomination & Verification Committee to validate achievements and eligibility criteria.
Judging
Independent scoring by our distinguished Judges Panel using weighted criteria. Shortlisted nominees may be visited or interviewed for further validation.
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.
2026 Timeline
Mark your calendars and plan your nominations. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate Kenya's education heroes.
Nominations Open
Submit your nominations through our online portal. All categories are now accepting entries.
Nominations Close
Final deadline for all nominations (Midnight EAT). Ensure all supporting documents are submitted.
Verification & Shortlisting
Nomination & Verification Committee reviews all submissions and creates the shortlist.
Independent Judging Process
Judges Panel conducts independent scoring and deliberations. Shortlisted nominees may receive visits or interviews.
Advisory Board Review
Advisory Board provides final review and endorsement of category winners.
Winner Notification
Final approval and confidential notification to all winners.
Final Preparations
Final preparations and rehearsals for the Awards Gala Dinner.
Awards Gala Dinner
Grand celebration of excellence at the Elimu Awards ceremony in Nairobi.
Post-Event Reporting
Post-event reporting, evaluation, and impact report publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to help you feel confident about your nomination.
Still have questions? We're here to help.
Contact the SecretariatPrizes & Awards
Winners in each category will receive exciting prizes including cash awards, scholarships, certificates, and much more. Specific awards for each category will be announced in due course.
Trophy & Certificate
Prestigious award trophy, certificate, and winner's plaque
Cash Prizes
Cash awards for category winners
Scholarship Awards
Educational scholarship opportunities
Tech Equipment
Tablets, laptops, and mobile phones
Vehicle Award
A car for Lifetime Achievement winner
Solar Systems
Solar power systems for institutions
Resource Kits
Educational resource kits and materials
Trips & Experiences
Travel opportunities and special experiences
Become a Sponsor
Partner with the Elimu Awards 2026 and position your brand at the forefront of Kenya's education excellence movement.
Title Sponsor
Exclusive - 1 onlyKey Benefits:
- Official Title Sponsor: "Presented by [Sponsor] Elimu Awards 2026"
- Naming rights for the entire event + main stage branding
- Speaking slot at the Gala Dinner (5-7 minutes)
- Exclusive naming rights for one major category
- Premier logo placement on all materials
- 20 VIP tables (10 guests each) + red carpet recognition
- Featured in all press releases and media interviews
- Social media takeover + post-event impact report
Platinum Sponsor
Limited - 2-3Key Benefits:
- Prominent logo on all event materials and website
- Naming rights for one high-profile category
- 10 VIP tables (10 guests each)
- Speaking opportunity or video message at the Gala
Gold Sponsor
Limited - 4-6Key Benefits:
- Logo on all marketing materials, website, and backdrop
- Naming rights for one mid-level category
- 6 VIP tables (10 guests each)
- Half-page advert in the program booklet
Silver Sponsor
Key Benefits:
- Logo on website, program booklet, and selected banners
- Option to sponsor one supporting category
- 4 VIP tables (10 guests each)
- Quarter-page advert in the program
Bronze Sponsor
Key Benefits:
- Logo listed on website and program booklet
- 2 VIP tables (10 guests each)
- Name mentioned in sponsor acknowledgments
- Digital banner on the event website
In-Kind / Media Partner
Key Benefits:
- Venue, AV/production, catering, photography
- Live streaming, media coverage, printing, transport
- Logo placement according to value contributed
- Tailored benefits package based on support provided
Interested in becoming a sponsor or partner?
Contact the SecretariatDistinguished Judges
Rigorous, fair, and insightful evaluation from Kenya's leading voices in education, literature, and communications.
Professor Tom Odhiambo
Associate Professor, Department of Literature
University of Nairobi
A distinguished scholar and leading voice in African Literature and Cultural Studies. Prof. Odhiambo specialises in African literature, popular culture, media, and cultural studies, exploring the intersections of literature, identity, and society. He has chaired judging panels for major literary prizes, including the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature.
Areas of Expertise
Professor Mikhail Iossel
Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing
Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
An acclaimed writer, educator, and international literary figure. A recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship, NEA Fellowship, and Wallace Stegner Fellowship. Prof. Iossel is the founding director of the Summer Literary Seminars, with deep connections to Kenya through literary workshops in Nairobi and Lamu.
Areas of Expertise
Tony Mochama
Poet, Novelist, Essayist & Senior Journalist
Kenya
A three-time winner of the Burt Award for African Young Adult Literature. Known as 'Literary Gangster' and 'Smitta Smitten,' Tony has authored more than ten books and brings sharp insight into storytelling through his extensive experience at Nation Media Group and The Standard.
Areas of Expertise
David Kaunda
Communications Scholar & Consultant
Kenya
A respected corporate communications expert and journalist with extensive experience in public relations, media, and public speaking. Active in the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), David has mentored many young professionals in communication and has been a regular panelist in public speaking forums.
Areas of Expertise
"Our judges bring exceptional expertise, integrity, and a genuine commitment to recognizing outstanding educators who are transforming Kenya's education landscape."
Elimu Awards 2026 Judging Panel
Nominate an Education Hero
Thank you for taking the time to nominate an outstanding educator, institution, or partner for the Elimu Awards 2026!