30% of Teachers in Kenya Exhibit Signs of Depression and Anxiety — KEWOTA

30% of Teachers in Kenya Exhibit Signs of Depression and Anxiety — KEWOTA

A teachers’ union has accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of failing to address educators’ poor mental health, which threatens the country’s educational quality. 

According to the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), 60 teachers have committed suicide in the last two years, and 30% of teachers in Kenya exhibit signs of depression and anxiety.

According to the union, the numbers demonstrate the severity of the situation, necessitating the construction of a comprehensive support system because mental health issues among teachers have a direct detrimental impact on educational outcomes among students. 

Benta Opande, the Chief Executive Officer of KEWOTA, reported that mental illness, which includes conditions such as depression or anxiety, is causing a decline in the quality of education.

Opande highlighted that numerous teachers are refusing to seek assistance by not visiting educational institutions.

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Despite the presence of a mental wellness department at the Teachers Service Commission, Opande noted that records indicate a significant number of teachers are not utilizing its services.

Opande attributed this reluctance to the fact that some mental health issues stem from concerns about the employer.

Opande further warned that the protracted closure of schools would exacerbate the mental health of certain teachers who find consolation in the classroom, urging the Ministry of Education to accelerate the opening of schools.

Suffering psychologically 

She stated that even with the prolonged school holidays, some teachers are experiencing psychological distress because they feel the best place for them is with their students.

Opande emphasized the urgency of reopening schools to address potential mental health issues associated with closure, such as drug abuse and unplanned pregnancies.

At a media briefing, the KEWOTA CEO made an announcement about an upcoming mental health awareness walk that will raise public awareness of issues impacting teachers and students.

The inaugural event, slated for May 26 at the Ulinzi Stadium, will bring together educators, students, corporate enterprises, and education stakeholders.

She stated that through their collective effort, they aim to break the silence surrounding mental health among teachers, promote open dialogue, and ultimately pave the way for tangible solutions that will reduce and eliminate mental health issues among teachers.

Opande elaborated that the walk would also aim to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues and underscore the importance of seeking timely assistance when necessary.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and foster well-being within the teaching community. 

According to her, the union contacted all counties to help them build centers where teachers could receive mental health support.

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She mentioned that before establishing the institution, they would rent space, offering similar services to teachers.

The services would consist of assessments by professionals, followed by appropriate support based on the root cause of the issue, whether it was gender-based violence or financial challenges.

30% of Teachers in Kenya Exhibit Signs of Depression and Anxiety — KEWOTA

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