KEWOTA Launches Mental Wellness Walks to Address Teacher Crisis
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The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), led by CEO Benta Opande, is taking urgent steps to address the mental health crisis affecting Kenya’s educators. With rising cases of depression, suicide, and lifestyle-related illnesses among teachers, KEWOTA has made mental wellness its top priority this May—Mental Wellness Month.
The tragic suicide of a mathematics and chemistry teacher from Gachie High School in Kiambu County earlier this month has intensified the urgency. “Every teacher we lose is a guiding light extinguished too soon. We must act now,” said Opande.
In response, KEWOTA is launching the 2024–2025 Teachers’ Mental Wellness Walks, with events happening this Saturday across five counties. A national walk is set for Sunday, May 25, serving as a united call to protect and support educators’ mental health.
These walks are more than symbolic. They are the beginning of a larger movement that includes the creation of Kenya’s first-ever Teacher Wellness Centre. The facility will provide counseling, therapy, and preventive health programs designed specifically for teachers.
“Our vision is clear,” said Opande. “We are walking to heal teachers—and in doing so, to heal the nation.”
KEWOTA is encouraging all Kenyans to participate by purchasing a T-shirt for KSh 1,000 and joining the walks. With growing support from communities and education stakeholders, the initiative aims to transform schools into places where teachers feel safe, supported, and valued.
“Show up. Walk with us. Speak out. Because when teachers heal, the nation begins to heal too.”
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