KEWOTA pushes for mental health centre as over 300 teachers suffer in silence

More than 300 teachers in Kenya have faced severe mental health problems in the past two years, with the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) warning that many are suffering in silence due to a lack of proper mental healthcare services.

KEWOTA has launched a campaign to raise 400 million shillings to build a national mental health and medical centre dedicated to the needs of teachers.

The money will be raised through walks in six counties: Nairobi, Migori, Kiambu, Nakuru, Machakos and Kisumu both to collect funds and to raise awareness about the mental health crisis affecting educators.

Speaking during the Nairobi event at Ulinzi Sports Centre, KEWOTA Chief Executive Officer Benta Opande said many teachers are struggling quietly and some are pushed to the point of suicide.

"You find a teacher losing all their earnings in a game of Aviator, and because they cannot face their families empty-handed, they opt to end their lives," she said.

Opande also called for financial checks before individuals are allowed to participate in online gambling.

"Let’s have KRA on the questionnaire to assess if teachers are financially fit to gamble," she added.

KEWOTA Chairperson Modesta Akaki said many teachers reach out to fellow educators for help, but these colleagues are often overwhelmed themselves.

"Many of them are suffering silently, and the only people they talk to are fellow teachers who are just as overwhelmed," she said.

She urged both the government and private partners to support the planned mental health centre and help create a national response system to address the growing mental health needs of teachers.

Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association National Chairperson Faud Ali warned that poor teacher wellbeing directly affects learners.

"When a teacher is mentally broken, they cannot support pupils effectively. We must pay close attention to their welfare," he said.

KEWOTA National Treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa said many cases remain unreported, even as some partners have already stepped in to help.

"We appreciate the partners who have already come on board, including Old Mutual, who are supporting this cause. We welcome others to help us see this project through," she said.

The Nairobi walk attracted hundreds of teachers and students and was attended by KEWOTA’s founding chairperson and current Member of Parliament, Dorothy Muthoni.

"This centre could not have come at a more urgent time. We must act now before more lives are lost," she said.

Miss KEWOTA, Hilda Lengarpatei, said the facility would help young teachers maintain a healthier balance in life.