Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has congratulated celebrated teacher Peter Mokaya Tabichi for winning the UN Person of the Year Award.
“His victory is a celebration of the many sacrifices made by teachers across the world," said Kinyanjui on Thursday.
Kinyanjui termed teachers role pivotal in the societal transformation through the sacrifices they make daily.
“Indeed, most of us are where we are today because of the commitment and sacrifice of a teacher who had the patience and will to hold us in our most vulnerable moments. It further reminds us of the role of teachers as change agents. Through education we can break the cycle of poverty and liberate communities and nations," observed Kinyanjui.
He termed Tabichi a symbol of hope not only to the students but also to Nakuru residents and Kenya as a whole
The Governor was present during the award ceremony held on Thursday in Nairobi’s United Nations Headquarters.
The ceremony was also attended by UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee, UNESCO Regional Director for East Africa Ann Therese Ndong Jatta, Education PS Belio Kipsang among other envoys.
Teacher Peter Tabichi of Keriko Secondary school hit the headlines after he won this year’s Global Teacher Prize that saw him pocket Sh100 million in a period of 10 years.
The teacher was honoured by the Varkey Foundation which recognizes one teacher annually worldwide over his or her extraordinary measures to help students of the community.
Governor Kinyanjui pledged to change the face of the school in recognition of the teacher's efforts. The Varkey Foundation, headquartered in London feted Tabichi for dedicating his life to helping others.