KEPSHA National Chairman Johnson Nzioka Dies in Road Accident

KEPSHA National Chairman Johnson Nzioka Dies in Road Accident

Published on: February 17, 2025

The Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA) National Chairman, Johnson Nzioka, tragically passed away in a road accident on Sunday, February 16, 2025, along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at Athi River. His sudden and untimely death has left a deep void within the education community, with tributes pouring in from various education stakeholders, including colleagues, education leaders, and unions.

Nzioka was a well-known and highly respected figure in Kenya’s education sector. As the National Chairman of KEPSHA, he was an influential leader whose contributions were pivotal in shaping the direction of primary education in Kenya. His role within KEPSHA was instrumental in uniting primary school headteachers across the country, creating a cohesive and focused platform for educators to collaborate and improve the quality of education. His leadership qualities and commitment to the welfare of teachers earned him recognition as a dedicated and compassionate leader.

Upon hearing the news of Nzioka’s tragic passing, Collins Oyuu, the Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), expressed his profound sorrow. He described Nzioka as a leader who possessed unique diplomatic skills that helped reframe the role of KEPSHA during a period when education management in Kenya was undergoing strategic reforms. According to Oyuu, Nzioka’s leadership was characterized by his ability to bring people together, resolve conflicts, and maintain unity among teachers and headteachers across Kenya.

“Nzioka was a regular contributor to the well-being of teachers,” Oyuu said. “He will be remembered for his gentle but forthright speaking, particularly when brokering peace among his members.” His ability to engage in delicate negotiations while maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor made him a trusted mediator in many situations. He was particularly effective in advocating for the needs of teachers and headteachers, ensuring that their concerns were heard and addressed at various forums, including with government officials and education stakeholders.

Oyuu further added that Nzioka stood out as a great mobilizer for headteachers’ activities, especially those aimed at improving the quality of education and promoting the professional growth of school leaders. His strong negotiating skills also made him a significant voice for teachers’ welfare, as he consistently advocated for better working conditions, professional development opportunities, and fair treatment for educators across Kenya.

In addition to his colleagues within KEPSHA and KNUT, other leaders within the education sector also expressed their condolences. Dr. Nancy Macharia, the CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), shared her heartfelt sympathies, describing Nzioka as one of Kenya’s most dedicated and accomplished academics. Dr. Macharia acknowledged Nzioka’s remarkable academic journey, which began in 1987 when he started as a classroom teacher and culminated in his appointment as a headteacher in 2012. His impressive rise through the ranks was a testament to his hard work, commitment, and passion for education.

“His incredible academic performance and commitment to service saw Nzioka rise, most deservedly, from the position of classroom teacher in 1987 to headship in 2012,” Dr. Macharia said. “Kenya has lost one of its most gallant academics, and he will be missed by the teaching fraternity and the entire education sector.” Nzioka’s legacy within the education sector will undoubtedly be felt for many years to come, as his work has had a lasting impact on the development of primary education in Kenya.

At the time of his passing, Nzioka was serving as the Headteacher of Donholm Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Nairobi. His leadership at Donholm Primary School was exemplary, with the institution benefiting from his expertise in school management and his deep commitment to providing quality education to students. His colleagues at the school, as well as the broader teaching community, will miss his presence, mentorship, and contributions to the advancement of education in Kenya.

KEPSHA Treasurer Kennedy Kyeva confirmed that Nzioka’s body would be transferred to Lee Funeral Home on Monday, February 18, 2025. The teaching community, along with his family and friends, is still coming to terms with this heartbreaking loss. As tributes continue to pour in from all corners of the country, it is clear that Johnson Nzioka’s leadership, dedication, and kindness have left an indelible mark on the education sector in Kenya. His death represents a huge loss, not only for the teachers and students whose lives he touched but also for the broader Kenyan community, which benefited from his vision of an empowered and united teaching fraternity.

KEPSHA National Chairman Johnson Nzioka Dies in Road Accident