KEWOTA targets Sh400m to build teachers mental health centre amid growing crisis

Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) is leading a Sh400 million campaign to build a national mental health and medical centre to support teachers facing increasing psychological distress.

 The initiative kicked off with fundraising walks across six counties—Nairobi, Migori, Kiambu, Nakuru, Machakos and Kisumu—to both raise money and spotlight the mental health challenges affecting teachers.

 Speaking at Ulinzi Sports Centre in Nairobi, KEWOTA Chief Executive Benta Opande warned that a growing number of teachers are struggling in silence, pushed to extreme decisions, including 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.

 She urged regulators to require financial fitness checks before allowing online gambling.

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

 According to KEWOTA, nearly 300 teachers have suffered severe mental health conditions over the past two years, many without access to professional care.

 KEWOTA Chairperson Modesta Akaki said most affected teachers turn to colleagues for help, who are often untrained in counselling. “Many of them are suffering silently, and the only people they talk to are fellow teachers who are just as overwhelmed,” she said.

 She called for urgent support from the government and private partners to help complete the proposed facility and build a nationwide mental health response system.

 Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association National Chairperson Faud Ali said teachers' wellbeing directly shapes learning environments. “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 while many cases have been reported, more remain unspoken. “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 event drew hundreds of teachers and students and was attended by KEWOTA’s founding Chairperson and current Member of Parliament, Dorothy Muthoni, who said the project was timely and vital.

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

 Hilda Lengarpatei, the reigning Miss KEWOTA, said the facility would help young teachers lead more balanced lives. Faulu Bank Head of Business Joshua Kittony commended the initiative and pledged support while encouraging teachers to explore the bank’s insurance and retirement services.