Celebrating Edna Obare — German Teacher of the Year 2023!

Ms Edna Obare, a dedicated German language teacher at Kisumu Boys’ High School, was honored with the prestigious German Teacher of the Year Award 2023, organized by the German Embassy Nairobi in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Nairobi, the Kenya Ministry of Education, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

🏆 What She Achieved
Edna competed in a nationwide assessment of German language teachers after being nominated by her school leadership and was shortlisted for outstanding classroom performance and instructional innovation. Following classroom observations by the nomination panel, she emerged the winner, recognized for her impactful teaching and deep commitment to her students.

✈️ Prize & Professional Growth
As part of her award, Edna earned a four-week fully-funded German language scholarship in Germany, where she will deepen her linguistic skills, experience German culture first-hand, and explore new teaching methodologies to bring back home.

📚 A Journey of Passion
Ms Obare has been teaching for nearly two decades, starting her career after earning a Bachelor of Arts in German Language. Her enthusiasm for languages began early, and she later introduced German as a subject at Kisumu Boys’ when none had existed before — a pioneering move in the region.

Under her guidance, German language results have steadily improved — with her first cohort achieving a mean score of 8.5 in KCSE, and continued progress in subsequent years. It’s now one of the school’s fastest-growing subjects, with nearly 80 students enrolled.

👩‍🏫 Impact Beyond the Classroom
Her principal praised her dedication, highlighting her influence not only academically but also in cultural activities such as music and verse competitions. The award has also contributed to her professional progression with an upward job group movement by the Teachers Service Commission.

📢 Looking Ahead
Ms Obare has called for expanded support — including a language lab, a dedicated German classroom, and more exchange opportunities — to further enrich the program. Her example continues to inspire both students and fellow educators, and her work strengthens cultural and educational ties between Kenya and Germany.