- Astiba Kebon’go argues that protecting teachers’ mental wellbeing is essential to strengthening Kenya’s education system.
- She calls for the decentralisation of the Teachers Service Commission’s Teacher Wellness Programme to make counselling and support more accessible.
- She says investing in teachers’ mental health is ultimately an investment in learners, schools and the nation’s future.
Every morning, long before the first school bell rings, thousands of teachers across Kenya leave their homes carrying far more than lesson plans, schemes of work and textbooks.
Many carry invisible burdens—strained marriages, financial hardship, overwhelming debts, workplace stress, grief, anxiety, depression and emotional exhaustion. Yet, once they enter the classroom, they are expected to inspire hope, nurture talent, shape character and prepare the next generation of leaders.
Behind many smiles, however, lies a silent struggle.
A profession under pressure
The recurring reports of teachers taking their own lives have raised serious concerns about mental health within the teaching profession.
Each tragedy leaves grieving families, traumatised learners, devastated colleagues and communities searching for answers.
Education experts argue that every suicide should prompt the nation to ask not only why such tragedies occur but also whether enough is being done to recognise warning signs and provide timely support.
Although teachers are widely regarded as role models, mentors and pillars of society, they remain vulnerable to the same emotional, financial and family challenges experienced by everyone else.
Teaching itself has become increasingly demanding.
Beyond classroom instruction, teachers are expected to implement curriculum reforms, assess learners continuously, maintain professional records, supervise co-curricular activities, engage parents and meet growing performance expectations.
Many return home carrying unresolved workplace pressures while simultaneously confronting family responsibilities and financial obligations.
Mental health specialists note that suicide rarely results from a single event.
Instead, it often emerges from prolonged emotional distress, untreated mental health conditions, financial strain, family conflict, workplace bullying, addiction, loneliness and hopelessness.
The growing prevalence of betting and gambling has also contributed to financial distress among some professionals.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die by suicide annually worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of preventable death.
Experts argue that mental health deserves the same level of attention and investment as physical health.
Building supportive schools
Healthy relationships remain among the strongest protective factors against emotional distress.
Teachers need supportive families, respectful communication, understanding colleagues and compassionate leadership.
School administrators are encouraged to create workplaces where teachers feel valued, respected and psychologically safe.
Leadership experts argue that effective school leadership extends beyond academic performance to include staff wellbeing.
Teachers themselves also have an important role in supporting one another.
Changes in behaviour, withdrawal, persistent anxiety or emotional distress among colleagues should prompt compassion rather than judgement.
Simple acts of kindness, listening and encouragement can make a significant difference.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been commended for establishing the Teacher Wellness Programme to provide counselling and psychosocial support.
However, education stakeholders believe the initiative should now be strengthened by establishing robust wellness structures at county and sub-county levels.
They recommend expanding access to professional counselling, stress management workshops, financial literacy programmes, family counselling, addiction recovery services, peer-support initiatives and mental health awareness campaigns.
Such services would make professional support more accessible, particularly for teachers serving in remote areas.
Investing in Kenya’s future
Kenya’s Constitution guarantees every person’s right to life, dignity and the highest attainable standard of health, including mental health.
Similarly, the Mental Health (Amendment) Act, 2022, promotes access to mental healthcare while safeguarding the dignity of individuals living with mental health conditions.
Education experts maintain that teacher wellbeing directly influences learner outcomes.
Emotionally healthy teachers create positive learning environments, strengthen families, improve school performance and contribute to national development.
They argue that teacher wellness should no longer be treated as an afterthought but as a national priority.
Strengthening mental health support, reducing stigma and expanding access to professional services will not only save lives but also improve curriculum implementation, strengthen schools and enhance learning outcomes.
Ultimately, protecting teachers means protecting learners.
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When teachers thrive, classrooms flourish, communities grow stronger and the nation secures a brighter future.
The message, education stakeholders say, is simple but urgent: Save a teacher, save a country.
By Astiba Kebon’go K.J.
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