Johnson Nzioka: Horror ending to a 38-year teaching career 

The national chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Head-teachers Association (Kepsha) Johnson Nzioka,  who died in a road accident at Athi River on Mombasa Road on Sunday, February 16 2025 has been eulogised as one of Kenya’s most dedicated educators who served diligently for 38 years.

At the time of his demise, Mr Nzioka was the headteacher of Donholm Comprehensive School in Nairobi County. He also served in various capacities within the education sector where he was involved in policy formulation as well as advocacy.

Mr Nzioka served as a council member of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and was also the organising secretary of the Federation of East Africa Primary Schools Head-teachers. In 2022, former President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded him the Head of State Commendation for his service.

Since he assumed the chairmanship of Kepsha in March 2021, Mr Nzioka has been vocal about the welfare of primary schools headteachers and education in general, especially the inadequate funding for basic education.

President William Ruto mourned Mr Nzioka as a distinguished educationist who advocated for the welfare of head teachers in the country.

“He was visionary and devoted his time to grooming upright and industrious students. Our prayers are with the family and the Kepsha fraternity,” said President Ruto.

His employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) said Mr Nzioka’s peerless delivery of service led him to a litany of professional achievements and successes, the apex of which was his election as the national chairman of the more than 23,000-member Kepsha.

The CEO of the commission, Nancy Macharia said Mr Nzioka’s academic performance and commitment to service saw him rise, most deservedly, from the position of the classroom teacher in 1987 to headteacher in 2012.

“Kenya has lost one of its most gallant academic soldiers, a man who will be deeply missed by the teaching fraternity and the entire education sector,” said the TSC boss.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos expressed shock at the news of the death of Mr Nzioka.

“I have known and worked with Mr Nzioka who was a dedicated, committed and insightful teacher and leader, who aspired for the best for our education system. As the chairperson of the Kepsha, Mr Nzioka was keen on strengthening the role of school management for better educational outcomes,” said the CS.

The Principal Secretary for Basic Education Dr Belio Kipsang said Mr Nzioka’s leadership, vision, and tireless efforts in championing the welfare of headteachers and quality education will be greatly missed. He said Mr Nzioka had an unwavering commitment to improving primary education in Kenya.

“He has left an indelible mark on countless learners, teachers, and school administrators. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his 22 teachers, and the students of Donholm Primary School, the entire teaching fraternity, friends, and all stakeholders in the Education sector,” said the PS.

The CEO of the KICD, Prof Charles Ong’ondo said the country has lost an exceptional visionary, insightful and committed leader who was a firm believer in nurturing every child's potential.

Prof Ong’ondo said Mr Nzioka was committed to educational reforms and constantly drew attention to the best interest and point of view of the learner.

“During deliberations on the competency-based curriculum (CBC) at the KICD council and other curriculum development processes, he was always considered as ‘the voice of the child,’ said the KICD boss.

Mr Nzioka taught in various primary schools, including Peter Kibukosya, Kimathi, Muranga Road, and Huruma, all in Nairobi County. He had served at Donholm Primary and Junior Secondary Schools for more than a decade.

He rose from the ranks of Kepsha as a sub-county chairperson, county chairperson, national executive committee member, national governing council member, national executive council member, deputy chairperson and finally the chairperson.

The Kenya Private Schools Association chairperson, Charles Ochome eulogised Mr Nzioka as a remarkable person who demonstrated a profound commitment to educational excellence.

“His legacy will continue to influence and inspire future generations. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues during this time of profound sorrow,” said Mr Ochome.

The secretary-general of the Kenya National Union of Teachers Collins Oyuu said Mr Nzioka was an exemplary outstanding leader with distinct diplomatic leadership skills that helped redefine Kepsha leadership to a world-class teachers association when the education management is undergoing strategic reforms.

Mr Oyuu said the fallen Kepsha chairperson stood out to be a great agitator for headteachers’ activities and a negotiator for their welfare during his time at the helm of the association. The union boss said Mr Nzioka will be remembered for his soft but forthright speaking especially while brokering peace among his members.

Officials of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers also mourned Mr Nzioka.

“He was a foremost educator, an inspirational leader and a strong advocate for Kenyan children. He worked within Kepsha and with partners to mobilise action on the most pressing challenges of our education sector. He was open-minded, forthright and accommodating in his relations with all partners,” said Moses Nthurima, the acting secretary-general.

“His dedication to the education sector and unwavering efforts in shaping the future of learners has left an indelible mark on our nation,” said the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) National Chairman Mr Omboko Milemba.

The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) officials led by the national chair, Willy Kuria expressed his shock at the death of Mr Nzioka.

"It's only last month that we met and had very fruitful discussions on the challenges the headteachers are facing in managing schools. We were to have a follow-up meeting by the end of this month. The cruel hand of death has taken away one of our best sons in the education sector. May his soul rest in eternal peace," said Mr Kuria who is also the Chief Principal of Muran'ga High School.

Mr Nzioka held a Higher Diploma in Education Management from Kenya Methodist Management Institute in July 2013.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from The East African University in 2017. Alongside the teaching duties, Mr Nzioka was also involved in the management of co-curricular activities having served as a sub-county chair of the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association and later the national vice chairman in 2015.

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