President William Ruto has expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden death of Johnson Nzioka, the National Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA), who passed away in a tragic road accident along Mombasa Road on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Nzioka, a renowned educationist, was known for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of headteachers and the improvement of the country’s education system.
In his tribute, President Ruto described Nzioka as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the development of education. “He was visionary and devoted his time to grooming upright and industrious students. Our prayers are with his family and the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association fraternity,” Ruto stated, acknowledging the profound loss to the education sector.
Nzioka’s leadership at KEPSHA was marked by his focus on advocating for better working conditions for school heads, ensuring they had the necessary support to enhance the quality of education in Kenyan primary schools. His tenure saw numerous reforms that empowered headteachers and encouraged a more collaborative approach to school management.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos also paid tribute to Nzioka’s exemplary service. “He was a dedicated, committed, and insightful teacher and leader who aspired to the best for our education system. As the Chairperson of KEPSHA, Mr. Nzioka was keen on strengthening the role of school management for better educational outcomes,” Migos said in his condolence message.
In addition to the tributes from President Ruto and Migos, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia also expressed their condolences. Oyuu described Nzioka as a leader who consistently worked towards ensuring that teachers and education professionals were well-represented, while Macharia highlighted his contribution to improving the teaching profession in Kenya.
The tragic accident that claimed Nzioka’s life has left the education community in shock, as his contributions to the sector were significant and far-reaching. His work with KEPSHA greatly influenced school leadership practices, with a focus on fostering accountability, integrity, and excellence in the management of educational institutions.
As the country grapples with this loss, the legacy of Johnson Nzioka will continue to inspire current and future generations of educators. His dedication to building a better education system and improving the lives of students and teachers will be remembered for years to come.
