Johnson Nzioka, the National Chairperson of the Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA), tragically passed away on Sunday, February 16, after a road accident in Athi River.
It was reported that Nzioka was traveling towards Nairobi along the busy road when his speeding car collided with a trailer while attempting to avoid another vehicle.
Nzioka devoted his career to shaping the future of primary education in Kenya, leading over 23,000 primary school heads nationwide and impacting the education of more than 8 million learners.
Nzioka, a graduate of East African University with a Bachelor of Education Arts degree, began his career in 1987 as a class teacher. He quickly advanced to the position of Headteacher in 2012, working in various schools across the city.
In 2013, Nzioka furthered his education by obtaining a Higher Diploma in Education Management from the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI), enhancing his leadership skills in the education sector.
At the time of his passing, Nzioka was serving as the headteacher of Donholm Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Nairobi.
In addition to his teaching role, Nzioka was deeply involved in co-curricular activities. His leadership in sports administration saw him rise from Sub-County Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association to National Vice-Chairperson in 2015.
He also served as the Organizing Secretary of the Federation of East African Primary Schools Headteachers, further solidifying his influence in the education sector across the region.
Nzioka assumed the role of KEPSHA’s Acting National Chairperson on March 3, 2021, after the retirement of Nicholas Gathemia.
Under his leadership, KEPSHA continued its commitment to improving primary education standards, advocating for the welfare of headteachers, and building partnerships that supported both educators and learners.
In 2022, he was awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for Outstanding School Head Teacher.
Nzioka was a strong advocate for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), promoting the new model for its numerous benefits over the previous 8-4-4 system.
He frequently criticized the government’s delay in disbursing capitation funds, a situation that has caused many primary schools to face financial difficulties.
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia remarked that Nzioka’s exceptional service propelled him to numerous professional achievements, with the pinnacle being his election as the national chairman of the over 23,000-member KEPSHA.
“In the death of Nzioka, 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,” she stated.
