National Chairperson of Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association Johnson Nzioka dies in road crash
His career was dedicated to improving the quality of primary education in the country, where he guided over 24,000 headteachers.
National Chairperson of Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association Johnson Nzioka dies in road crash
The National Chairperson of the Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA), Johnson Nzioka is dead.
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According to the association, Nzioka died after succumbing to injuries sustained in a road crash in Athi River on Sunday.
President William Ruto eulogised Nzioka as a distinguished educationist who advocated for the welfare of head teachers in our country.
"He was visionary and devoted his time to grooming upright and industrious students. Our prayers are with the family and the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association fraternity. Rest In Peace," he said.
Johnson Nzioka was a distinguished educationist who advocated for the welfare of head teachers in our country.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 17, 2025
He was visionary and devoted his time in grooming upright and industrious students.⁰
Our prayers are with the family and the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association… pic.twitter.com/I6nsJkAKB5
Nzioka, who was also the headteacher at Donholm Primary School in Nairobi, was a highly respected educationist with almost 20 years of experience leading primary schools across Nairobi.
His career was dedicated to improving the quality of primary education in the country, where he guided over 24,000 headteachers and influenced the education of more than eight million students.
His educational qualifications included a Higher Diploma in Education Management from the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) and a Bachelor of Education Arts degree from East African University. Nzioka’s academic achievements, coupled with his professional training, solidified his expertise in educational leadership.
Beyond his academic roles, Nzioka was actively involved in co-curricular activities. His leadership in sports saw him rise through the ranks, from Sub-County Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association to National Vice-Chairperson in 2015.
The wreckage of the car in which Johnson Nzioka died in after a road crash in Athi River on Sunday.
He also served as the Organising Secretary of the Federation of East African Primary Schools Headteachers, further demonstrating his influence within the regional education sector.
Dialogue
After the retirement of Nicholas Gathemia in 2021, Nzioka assumed the role of KEPSHA’s Acting National Chairperson. During his acceptance speech, he expressed his commitment to serving with dialogue and negotiation to empower fellow educators.
“I promise to lead with dialogue and negotiation, ensuring that our members are empowered to nurture education across primary schools in the country,” Nzioka said at the time.
He also expressed deep gratitude to his predecessors for their contributions, adding, “My acceptance speech will not be complete if I fail to thank the outgoing chairman. He has done tremendous work during his tenure. I also wish to thank the founding members of the association. I promise to continue with their ideas at the conception of the association.”
Under his leadership, KEPSHA continued to push for improved primary education standards, support for headteachers, and valuable partnerships for the betterment of the education sector.
In a statement of condolence, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, expressed deep sorrow at Nzioka’s passing.
“It is with a heavy heart, great sorrow but with the acceptance of God’s will that we have learnt of the passing on of the National Chairman of KEPSHA, Brother Johnstone Nzioka,” Oyuu said.
He described Nzioka as a “great mobilizer for headteachers’ activities and a negotiator for their welfare,” noting his diplomatic leadership skills and his pivotal role in reshaping KEPSHA into a world-class teachers’ association during a time of strategic reforms in the country’s education management.
“He will be remembered for his soft but forthright speaking, especially while brokering peace among his members,” Oyuu added.
He offered condolences on behalf of the KNUT National Executive Council, teachers across Kenya, and himself.
“On my behalf and that of the entire leadership of teachers in Kenya, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, his entire family, and the teaching fraternity in Kenya following his demise and pray that God strengthens them during this hard and trying moment of grief. May his good soul rest in eternal peace,” Oyuu said.
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