Shalom Maweu Sila, a Chemistry and Physics teacher at St Francis Misyani Girls High School in Machakos, has been shortlisted among the Top 50 finalists for the 2026 Global Teacher Prize, an award with a cash reward of about Ksh129 million. He is recognized for his transformative work in education, significantly boosting girls' participation in STEM subjects.

• Shalom Maweu Sila was instrumental in safeguarding learning continuity nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with 300 volunteer teachers to deliver online lessons.
• He spearheaded the introduction of virtual labs, gamified learning, and AI into classroom programs, leading to a rise in Physics enrollment from 9 percent in 2016 to 43 percent in 2025 at his school.
• If awarded the Ksh129 million prize, Sila plans to build a state-of-the-art school makerspace and establish the region’s first Community ICT and Innovation Hub.