A Nakuru mathematics teacher who spent 45 hours teaching in pursuit of a Guinness World Record has earned national recognition for his determination and resilience.
Fenwick Cyril Maloba, a mathematics and physics teacher at Menengai High School, was named the Most Resilient Teacher during the 2026 National Teachers Awards held as Kenya celebrated World Teachers’ Day.
The award recognises Maloba’s endurance during his marathon mathematics lesson, which he completed in June in an effort to change how learners perceive the subject.
Maloba’s journey to national recognition involved a competitive selection process that began at the sub-county level before progressing through county, regional and national stages.
He said his category initially attracted about 20 contestants at the sub-county level, with the number reducing as candidates advanced through subsequent rounds.
The teacher chose the Most Resilient Teacher category because it reflected the determination required to sustain his extended teaching session.
Teacher eyes 100-hour mathematics challenge
Despite completing the 45-hour challenge, Maloba is still awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records, with the verification process yet to be concluded.
He hopes to extend the challenge to 100 hours if his current attempt is officially recognised.
He is also planning to establish a free mathematics learning centre where students can access additional lessons during evenings and weekends.
Maloba’s initiative is driven by his belief that mathematics should not be viewed as an intimidating subject.
“Math is not a monster,” he said, recalling the slogan behind his record attempt.
He urged fellow teachers to explore creative approaches to teaching, arguing that extraordinary classroom experiences can change learners’ attitudes towards subjects they consider difficult.
“Any time a teacher does something extraordinary, you bring inside the minds of the learners a new perspective about that subject,” he said.
Other Nakuru teachers recognised for excellence
Other Nakuru educators were also recognised during the national awards.
Christable Shikholo of Kiamaina Primary School was honoured in the Most Resilient Teacher category, while Michal Kibet Siele of Kimonio Primary School received recognition for Co-curricular and Talent Development.
Peter Langat of Wei Primary School and Peter Bushnell Mwai of Mwaraki Primary School were recognised for Innovation and ICT Integration in Teaching.
Dennis Kiprono Bett of Mawe Mixed Day Secondary School received the Sustainable Development Educators Award, while Richard Nderitu of Utumishi Academy Secondary School was honoured as a Teacher Mentor.
George Kinyua Mwaniki of Njoro Boys Secondary School received the President’s Award Recognition, while Collins Kibet Koech of Nakuru High School was recognised in the Early Career Education Award category.
The awards covered 15 categories, celebrating educators whose work contributes to teaching, innovation, mentorship and talent development across the country.
For Maloba, however, the marathon is about more than setting a record.
His broader ambition is to make mathematics less intimidating, inspire learners to embrace the subject and demonstrate how dedication can push the boundaries of conventional classroom teaching.
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