Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday evening congratulated Global Teacher Prize of 2019 Winner Peter Mokaya Tabichi but many Kenyans were not amused with his message for paying the same teachers a meagre salary.
Mr. Tabichi, a Mathematics and Physics teacher at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani Village, Nakuru was announced winner of the global prize on Sunday evening at a ceremony held in Dubai.
The Varkey Foundation’s $1 million (Ksh.100 million) Global Teacher Prize honors one exceptional teacher every year.
Mr. Tabichi, 36, was crowned the winner for dedicating his life to helping others. He gives 80% of his teaching salary to local community projects, including education, sustainable agriculture and peace-building.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated Mr. Tabichi, saying he is “a shining example on what the human spirit can achieve.”
“On behalf of all Kenyans let me congratulate you on winning the Global Teacher Prize for this year. You are a shining example on what the human spirit can achieve not just for Kenya, not just for Africa but the world.
“Peter you chose to teach in a remote part of Kenya and transform lives in such situations. A choice that am sure was difficult. You give me faith that Africa’s best days are ahead of us and your story will light the way for all future generations,” said President Kenyatta on Sunday.
However, many Kenyans reacted angrily to President Kenyatta for paying teachers peanuts and subjecting them to unfavourable working environments.
Here are some of the reactions: