TSC Opens Nominations for World Teachers’ Day 2026 Awards: Here’s Everything You Need to Know.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially launched the Call for Nominations for World Teachers’ Day 2026, inviting Kenyans nationwide to recognise outstanding teachers under a structured, multi-level awards framework. If you know a teacher — serving or retired, a classroom hero, a head teacher, an innovator, or someone who’s overcome the odds to keep impacting learners — this is the moment to nominate them. Below is the complete, unabridged breakdown of the framework: background, eligibility, all 13 award categories, submission links, timelines, selection panels, and data protection details.
1. Background
Education remains one of the most important foundations for national development, social transformation and the realisation of Kenya’s human capital aspirations. At the centre of this transformation is the teacher, whose work shapes learner achievement, values formation, innovation, skills development and the overall quality of education.
The Teachers Service Commission has, for almost six decades, played a key role in regulating and managing the teaching service in Kenya. Established in July 1967 to provide teachers with one employer and uniform terms and conditions of service, the Commission was later elevated to a Constitutional Commission under Article 237 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Its mandate includes registering trained teachers, recruiting and employing teachers, assigning teachers to public schools and institutions, promoting and transferring teachers, exercising disciplinary control, reviewing standards for persons entering the teaching service, reviewing teacher demand and supply, and advising the National Government on matters relating to the teaching profession.
Over the years, the teaching service has grown significantly in size, reach and influence. The number of registered teachers grew from 37,000 in 1967 to over 1,000,000, with over 415,000 directly employed by the Commission as at June 2026. Kenyan teachers serve a large and diverse learner population across early childhood, primary, junior school, senior/secondary school and teacher training college levels.
Beyond their instructional duties, Kenyan teachers have made exceptional contributions to national development through their dedication, innovation, and service. By mentoring generations of learners, championing educational reforms, promoting inclusion, nurturing talent, and advancing innovation in teaching and learning, they have helped shape the country’s future.
Their impact extends beyond the classroom to communities, institutions, and society at large. Kenyan teachers have also distinguished themselves on regional, continental and global platforms, demonstrating professional excellence and reaffirming the vital role of education in transforming lives and advancing sustainable development.
1.1 Purpose
The World Teachers’ Day Rewards and Recognition Framework 2026 seeks to identify, recognise, and celebrate teachers, including institutional administrators, who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to teaching and learning.
The framework promotes excellence, innovation, inclusivity, resilience, leadership and professional commitment across all levels of education. The awards are intended to document and reward measurable contributions by teachers, while encouraging replication of effective practices across learning institutions.
1.2 Target Population
Nominations will be accepted for registered teachers currently in service as well as retired teachers who have made demonstrable contributions to teaching and learning. Eligible nominees may be drawn from recognised public, private and international learning institutions in Kenya, including:
- Primary schools
- Junior schools
- Secondary/Senior schools
- Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs)
1.3 General Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for any award category, nominees must meet the following general eligibility criteria:
i. Be a registered teacher, whether in-service (public or private) or retired.
ii. Be serving or have served in a recognised learning institution in Kenya.
iii. Be directly responsible for the achievement, initiative, innovation, leadership role or contribution for which they are nominated.
iv. Demonstrate contribution beyond routine performance of duty. v. Provide verifiable evidence of contribution and impact, including institutional records, learner outcomes, testimonials, awards, reports, certificates, photographs, publications or other relevant documentation.
vi. Be nominated under a maximum of two categories only in which they have made the strongest and most relevant contribution.
vii. Meet the specific eligibility requirements for the award category under which they are nominated.
2. Award Categories and Specific Eligibility Criteria
2.1 Lifetime Achievement Award
Celebrates veteran educators who have made long-term and transformative contributions to education over their career. Recognises sustained dedication, mentorship, leadership, institutional development and legacy-building.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Have at least 20 years of experience in teaching.
- Be a serving or retired teacher.
- Demonstrate long-term contribution to education beyond recent or isolated activities.
- Provide evidence of enduring influence, such as mentorship of teachers or learners, contribution to institutional reforms, improved learning outcomes, awards or recognition, testimonials or documented legacy initiatives.
2.2 Early Years Educator Award
Recognises excellence in teaching at the lower primary level (Grade 1–3). Honours teachers who demonstrate outstanding commitment to foundational learning, effectively employ play-based pedagogical approaches, and foster holistic early childhood development to provide a strong educational foundation for young learners in the last three years (2023 to date).
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Be teaching or have taught learners in lower primary level (Grade 1-3) in the last three years (2023 to date).
- Demonstrate use of age-appropriate, child-centred and inclusive pedagogy.
- Show evidence of improved foundational literacy, numeracy, social, emotional or developmental outcomes.
- Provide examples of classroom practice, learner progress, parental or institutional testimonials, teaching materials or related documentation.
2.3 Sustainable Development Educator Award
Recognises teachers who demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting environmental sustainability and sustainable development through education in the last three years (2023 to date).
Honours educators who championed initiatives such as environmental conservation, waste management, tree growing, climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity protection, water conservation, school greening and community environmental awareness.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Be actively involved in environmental education, environmental conservation or sustainability initiatives in the last three years (2023 to date).
- Demonstrate active teacher involvement in guiding and supporting learners to participate in environmental action, conservation projects or sustainable development activities during the period.
- Show evidence of school or community environmental impact resulting from the initiative.
- Provide documentation, such as project reports, photographs, learner-led activity records, environmental club records, community testimonials, awards, media coverage or institutional records for the last three years (2023 to date).
2.4 Early Career Educator Award
Honours teachers early in their career who demonstrate exceptional promise, innovation, professionalism and early impact in the teaching profession.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Have five years or less of teaching experience by the closing date of nominations.
- Demonstrate exceptional promise, creativity and commitment to teaching and learning.
- Show evidence of early achievements, learner impact, innovation or professional growth.
- Provide supporting evidence such as performance records including appraisal reports (TPAD), testimonials, teaching innovations, learner outcomes, awards or school-based reports.
2.5 School Leadership Excellence Award
Recognises teachers serving or retired as Heads of Institution, Deputy Heads of Institution or teachers who have held other administrative positions, who demonstrate exceptional leadership in enhancing school performance, promoting teacher professional development, and improving learner outcomes in the past three years (2023 to date).
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Be a serving or retired head of institution, deputy head of institution, or teacher who has held other administrative positions in the past three years (2023 to date).
- Demonstrate effective leadership, management and implementation of school improvement strategies, including performance contracts (PC) evaluation reports and appraisal reports (TPAD).
- Provide evidence of school-wide improvements in performance, learner welfare, teacher professional development, discipline, inclusivity or institutional culture.
- Submit verifiable documentation such as school records, improvement reports, inspection or quality assurance reports, testimonials, awards or evidence of team mentoring.
2.6 Inclusive Educator Award
Recognises:
a) Teachers who promote equitable learning opportunities for marginalised or vulnerable learners, including learners with disabilities, girls, refugees, and learners from low-income backgrounds or informal settlements.
b) Teachers living with disability who have demonstrated outstanding performance, making a significant contribution to learners, dedication and measurable impact in the course of their work, serving as an example of excellence and commitment in the teaching profession.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Demonstrate commitment to inclusive and equitable teaching and learning in the last three years (2023 to date).
- Provide examples of reasonable accommodation, adaptive teaching, learner support, advocacy or inclusive classroom practice.
- Show evidence of improved participation, retention, transition, achievement or wellbeing of marginalised learners.
- Submit supporting evidence, including learner support plans such as an Individualized Learning Program (ILP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP), testimonials, institutional reports, adapted instructional materials, photographs, and any formal recognition received from the school or community.
- Demonstrate outstanding performance as a teacher living with disability, including significant contribution to learners, dedication to duty and measurable impact in teaching and learning in the last three years, 2023 to date (if applying under category 2.6(b)).
2.7 Child Protection Champion Award
Recognises teachers who, in the last three years (2023 to date), have actively promoted child safety, safeguarding and protection within the school environment. Honours teachers who identify, prevent and respond to risks affecting learners, while creating safe, supportive and child-friendly learning spaces.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Demonstrate commitment to child protection, safeguarding and learner wellbeing within the school or learning institution.
- Provide examples of initiatives undertaken for the last three years (2023 to date) to prevent harm, promote learner safety, strengthen reporting mechanisms, or raise awareness among learners, teachers, parents and the school community.
- Show evidence of improved learner safety, confidence, attendance, reporting, referral, psychosocial support or strengthened school-based child protection systems.
- Submit supporting evidence, including child protection plans, sensitization materials, training certificates, anonymised referral or support records, minutes of child protection meetings, testimonials, institutional reports, photographs of awareness activities, and any formal recognition received from the school or community.
Note: No evidence should disclose the identity, image, personal story or confidential details of any child.
2.8 Co-curricular and Talent Development Award
Honours teachers who have identified, nurtured and promoted learner talent through co-curricular activities such as sports, music, drama, film, clubs, competitions and other talent development initiatives in 2026.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Have actively identified, nurtured or promoted learner talent through co-curricular or talent development activities in 2026.
- Demonstrate a clear role in coaching, mentoring, organising, coordinating or supporting learners in the selected co-curricular area.
- Show evidence of learner participation, progression, achievement or recognition at school, sub-county, county, regional, national or international level.
- Demonstrate how the activity contributed to learner confidence, discipline, creativity, teamwork, leadership, skills development or performance.
- Submit supporting evidence such as competition results, certificates, awards, photographs, performance records, club records, coaching or mentorship records, testimonials, school reports or media coverage.
2.9 Teacher Mentor Award
Recognises teachers who, in the last five years, have demonstrated exceptional excellence in training, mentoring, coaching, and supporting fellow educators. Honours those who strengthen curriculum implementation and professional practice through initiatives such as professional development programmes, peer learning, workshops, communities of practice, and structured institutional mentorship, thereby fostering continuous improvement and capacity building within the teaching profession.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Be a teacher mentor, coach, trainer of teachers or teacher professional development facilitator.
- Demonstrate direct involvement in improving the capacity, practice or professionalism of other teachers in the last five years.
- Provide evidence of impact on colleagues, mentees or trainees.
- Submit documentation such as training reports, mentorship records, testimonials from trainees, professional development materials, certificates or institutional records.
2.10 Innovation and ICT Integration in Teaching Award
Recognises teachers (including ICT Champions) who, in the last two years (2025 to date), have demonstrated innovation and excellence in teaching through the effective use of digital technologies, competency-based approaches, STEM education practices, ICT integration and other creative and learner-centered strategies that enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Demonstrate use of innovation, ICT, digital content, STEM approaches, competency-based strategies or other creative teaching techniques in the last two years (2025 to date).
- Show how the innovation addresses a teaching and learning challenge.
- Provide evidence of improved learner engagement, performance, inclusion, assessment, feedback or classroom management.
- Submit examples of tools, lesson designs, TPAD rating on ICT integration, integration of digital resources, learner outputs, assessment results, recognition, reports or testimonials.
2.11 Most Resilient Teacher Award
Recognises educators who have continued to make a positive contribution to teaching and learning despite significant adversity, including personal tragedy, school crises, insecurity, resource shortages or other major setbacks.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Have a documented resilience story related to their teaching journey.
- Demonstrate continued professional commitment and positive contribution despite adversity.
- Show evidence of recovery, adaptation, persistence and continued impact on learners, colleagues or the institution.
- Provide supporting documentation such as institutional confirmation, testimonials, reports, awards or other evidence of continued contribution.
2.12 National Honours Award
Recognises teachers who have received national honours or presidential recognition/awards for their contribution to education or public service in 2025 and 2026.
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Have been recognised through national honours or presidential awards in 2025 or 2026, including among others, Head of State Commendation, MBS, OGW or the President’s Award Kenya.
- Demonstrate that the recognition is linked to education, teaching, leadership, mentorship, innovation or service to learners and communities.
- Submit certified evidence of the national honour or presidential award and a brief statement of the contribution recognised.
2.13 International Recognition Award
Recognises teachers who have received international recognition for excellence, innovation, leadership or contribution to education (November 2025 to date).
Specific eligibility criteria:
- Have received international recognition (November 2025 to date).
- Eligible recognitions may include the Global Teacher Prize, African Continental Teacher Excellence Award, Microsoft Fellow Programme, Commonwealth Education Awards or any other recognised international education award.
- Demonstrate how the recognition relates to teaching, learning, innovation, leadership or professional contribution.
- Submit proof of recognition, official communication, certificates, media coverage or other verifiable documentation.
3. Nomination Procedure
Nominations may be submitted by:
- Self-nomination
- Peer nomination
- Institutional nomination by the Head of Institution
Note: For self-nomination, an individual may submit a nomination in a maximum of two categories. For peer/institutional nominations, a maximum of two nominees may be submitted.
Nominations shall be submitted using the link corresponding to the nominee’s respective region. For retired teachers, nominations should be submitted through the Sub-County where the nominee last served.
Table 1: Regional and County Nominations
| Region | Number of Counties | Counties |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Coast | 6 | Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta |
| 2. North Eastern | 3 | Garissa, Wajir, Mandera |
| 3. Eastern | 8 | Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni |
| 4. Nairobi | 1 | Nairobi |
| 5. Central | 5 | Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri |
| 6. Rift Valley (Upper) | 7 | Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Baringo |
| 6. Rift Valley (Lower) | 7 | Kericho, Bomet, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Samburu |
| 7. Western | 4 | Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia |
| 8. Nyanza | 6 | Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira |
Note: For purposes of managing submissions, Rift Valley has been split into Upper Rift Valley and Lower Rift Valley.
Submit Through Your Regional Link
Nominations must be submitted via the Kobo Toolbox link corresponding to the nominee’s region:
| Region | Submission Link |
|---|---|
| Coast | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/15ewl6gP |
| North Eastern | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/k9pEa8gG |
| Eastern | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/IAug4NKt |
| Nairobi | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/19FSplXg |
| Central | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/CkThgSIl |
| Upper Rift Valley | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ZiTvNXcE |
| Lower Rift Valley | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/7ndULo25 |
| Western | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/YnDiXca2 |
| Nyanza | https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/FwTO54tq |
(Note: Rift Valley is split into Upper and Lower Rift Valley for submission purposes, covering all 47 counties across the 8 TSC regions.)
⏰ Deadline: 26th August 2026, 11:00 PM (EAT)
Nominations close at 23:00 EAT on 26th August 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute — gather your evidence early.
For any questions, reach out to: worldteachersday@tsc.go.ke
What Happens After You Submit?
The selection process moves through four stages, each with its own panel and timeline:
| Stage | Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | 27–29 Aug 2026 | Recognition and Awards Sub-Committee longlists eligible nominees |
| Sub-County Selection | 30 Aug–3 Sept 2026 | Best 3 per category shortlisted (416 sub-counties) |
| County Selection | 4–8 Sept 2026 | Best 3 per category shortlisted (47 counties) |
| Regional Selection | 9–10 Sept 2026 | Best 5 per category recognised; top 3 forwarded nationally (9 regions) |
| National Recognition | 11 Sept 2026 | Best 3 awardees per category honoured during World Teachers’ Day celebrations |
In total, this framework creates over 16,000 award slots across all levels — with 13,728 teachers recognised at the Sub-County level alone.
⏰ Deadline
The deadline for submissions is 26th August 2026 by 23:00 EAT (GMT+3). Any inquiries may be sent to worldteachersday@tsc.go.ke.
4. Evaluation and Selection Process
Table 2: Evaluation and Selection Process Timelines
| Activity | Expected Output | Responsibility | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submission of nominations | All nominations received | Person nominating | By 26th August 2026 |
| Eligibility check | Longlist of nominations that meet the general and category-specific eligibility criteria | Recognition and Awards Sub-Committee | 27th to 29th August 2026 |
| Sub-County Selection | Shortlist of nominees with strongest alignment to the award criteria; Merit list; List of nominees selected for Sub-County awards under different categories | Sub-County Selection Panels | 30th August to 3rd September 2026 |
| County Selection | Shortlist of nominees with strongest alignment to the award criteria; Verification of evidence from shortlisted teachers; Merit list; List of nominees selected for county awards under different categories | County Selection Panels | 4th to 8th September 2026 |
| Regional Selection | Shortlist of nominees with strongest alignment to the award criteria; Verification of evidence forwarded from the county nominees; List of nominees to be awarded per Region during TSC Open Day celebrations | Regional Panel | 9th to 10th September 2026 |
| National Recognition | Final awardees (the best 3) submitted for national recognition during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations | Recognition and Awards Sub-Committee | 11th September 2026 |
4.1 Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be assessed using standardised evaluation criteria tailored to each award category. These will include:
- Relevance of the nominee’s contribution to teaching and learning.
- Evidence of measurable or verifiable impact.
- Innovation, creativity or distinctiveness of practice or contribution.
- Inclusivity, equity and responsiveness to learner needs.
- Sustainability, replicability or potential for wider adoption.
- Contribution to professional development, institutional improvement or learner outcomes.
- Strength and credibility of supporting documentation.
- Alignment with national education priorities and professional standards.
Note: Assessment tools and scoring guides have been developed for each award category to support objective, transparent and evidence-based evaluation and selection of awardees.
4.2 Selection Panels
To ensure a transparent, fair and merit-based selection process, nominations shall be considered in the following sequence:
- The Sub-County Selection Panel shall adjudicate the Sub-County award process, recognise the best 3 nominees per category and forward the results and supporting documentation to the County Office.
- The County Selection Panel shall adjudicate the County award process, recognise the best 3 nominees per category and forward the results and supporting documentation to the Regional Office.
- The Regional Selection Panel shall adjudicate the Regional award process and recognise the best 5 nominees per category. The best 3 nominees per category shall be forwarded to the national level for recognition during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
Table 3: Number of Award Slots at Each Level
| Level | Number per Level | Selection per Category | Number of Categories | Number of Award Slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-County | 416 | 3 | 11 | 13,728 |
| County | 47 | 3 | 11 | 1,551 |
| Region | 9 | 5 | 11 | 495 |
| National | 9 | 3 | 11 | 297 |
| Total | 16,071 |
Notes:
a. The total of 16,071 represents award slots across all levels. The distinct awardees at the first level will be 13,728 teachers at Sub-County level, from whom County, Regional and National awardees will be progressively selected.
b. In addition to the awardees indicated in Table 3, the Commission will recognise teachers in the National Honours and International Recognition award categories.
4.2.1 Sub-County Selection Panel
The Sub-County Selection Panel shall comprise:
i. TSC Sub-County Director (Chairperson) ii. Sub-County Director of Education iii. One Curriculum Support Officer iv. One representative from KESSHA v. One representative from KEPSHA vi. One representative each from KNUT, KUPPET and KUSNET
The Panel shall adjudicate the Sub-County award process and shall identify the best three per category for presentation to the next level nomination.
4.2.2 County Selection Panel
The County Selection Panel shall comprise:
i. TSC County Director (Chairperson) ii. County Director of Education iii. One County Human Resource Officer iv. One representative from KESSHA v. One representative from KEPSHA vi. One representative each from KNUT, KUPPET and KUSNET vii. One representative from Private/International schools
The Panel shall adjudicate the County award process and shall identify the best three per category for presentation to the next level nomination.
4.2.3 Regional Selection Panel
The Regional Panel shall comprise:
i. TSC Regional Director (Chairperson) ii. Regional Director of Education
iii. One County Director from the region
iv. One County Director of Education from the region
v. One officer from the Regional Office vi. One representative from KESSHA
vii. One representative from KEPSHA
viii. One representative each from KNUT, KUPPET and KUSNET ix. One representative from Private/International schools
The Panel shall adjudicate the Regional award process and shall recognise the best five nominees in each category. The names of the top three nominees per category shall be forwarded to the national level for recognition during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
4.2.4 General Responsibilities
All panels shall document their proceedings, with supporting evidence and documentation required at every level, maintain confidentiality, declare and manage conflicts of interest, and uphold equity, inclusivity, diversity, transparency, accountability and merit throughout the process.
5. Inclusive Participation
5.1 The Commission encourages the nomination of teachers with disabilities who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, innovation, leadership and contribution to teaching and learning.
5.2 Nominators are encouraged to consider and recognise exceptional achievements by teachers with disabilities across all eligible award categories, in line with the approved award criteria.
6. Data Protection and Privacy Notice
6.1 The Commission shall ensure that personal data collected in connection with nominations is processed lawfully, fairly and transparently, and only for purposes related to the nomination, evaluation and selection process. In processing such personal data, the Commission shall adhere to the applicable data protection principles and implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard the data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, loss or destruction, and other forms of data breach.
6.2 Where information relating to nominees is required to be published, the Commission shall ensure that only such information as is necessary and proportionate for purposes of transparency and recognition of successful nominees is disclosed. The Commission shall avoid the publication of personal or sensitive information that is not necessary for such purposes.
6.3 Nomination records shall be retained only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which they were collected and to comply with applicable legal, audit and records-management requirements. Upon expiry of the applicable retention period, such records shall be securely disposed of in accordance with the Commission’s records-management and data protection requirements.
6.4 In accordance with applicable law, data subjects may exercise their rights in relation to their personal data, including the right to be informed, access their personal data, request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data, object to certain processing, and exercise other rights provided under the Data Protection Act, CAP 411C, subject to applicable limitations and exemptions.
Any enquiry or request concerning the processing of personal data in connection with this Call for Nominations may be addressed to the Commission through the email dataprotectionofficer@tsc.go.ke.
By submitting a nomination, the nominator and/or nominee acknowledges that the personal data provided may be processed by the Commission for the purposes and in accordance with the terms set out in this Call for Nominations and the applicable data-protection law.
Read Also: TSC Jobs Scandal: MPs Receive Teacher Appointment Letters as 20,000 Vacancies Open
Final Word
This is one of the most comprehensive teacher recognition drives TSC has rolled out — spanning 13 award categories, 4 selection stages, and over 16,000 award slots nationwide. If you know a teacher whose work deserves to be seen, don’t wait. Gather the evidence, pick the right category (or two), and submit through your regional link before 26th August 2026, 11:00 PM EAT.
TSC Opens Nominations for World Teachers’ Day 2026 Awards: The Complete Guide
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