Ali Fuad Sworn in as KEPSHA Acting Chairperson.
The Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA) has appointed Ali Fuad as its acting national chairperson. He was sworn into office on Saturday, March 1, 2025, taking over from Johnson Matheka Nzioka, who led the association from March 2021 until his passing.
Prior to stepping into this role, Fuad served as the National Vice Chairman. During his inaugural address, Fuad paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing basic education in Kenya.
He expressed his commitment to upholding the legacy left behind and working towards the goals Nzioka had envisioned for both KEPSHA and the education sector.
He emphasized that KEPSHA would remain committed to ensuring effective CBC implementation by supporting teacher training, adequate school resources, and aligning policies with the best interests of learners.
Fuad also highlighted the importance of environmental consciousness in schools, stressing that institutions must lead climate action initiatives. He outlined plans to integrate sustainable practices such as tree planting, waste management, and clean energy adoption, alongside fostering holistic learner development.
Recognizing his predecessor’s contributions, Fuad described Nzioka as a dedicated leader known for championing CBC. He urged school heads to stay committed to their mission, emphasizing that Nzioka’s legacy should inspire them to strive harder for educational excellence and the realization of their shared vision.
Strategic Priorities
Fuad outlined key focus areas aimed at ensuring KEPSHA effectively fulfills its mandate. He stressed the importance of successfully implementing the KEPSHA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, which is designed to strengthen the association’s role as a representative body for primary school leaders while promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education.
A key part of his agenda involves actively engaging policymakers to address crucial concerns affecting school heads, such as career progression, fair remuneration, and mental well-being. He emphasized that KEPSHA will advocate for programs that support both the personal and professional development of school leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared and motivated to perform their roles effectively.
Fuad also announced plans to expand KEPSHA’s influence at local, regional, and international levels. He stressed the need for stronger partnerships with organizations and educational institutions to position KEPSHA as a leader in school leadership development. Strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders will be a priority to create synergies that benefit both schools and learners.
Additionally, Fuad is committed to growing KEPSHA’s membership to unify school heads for a stronger collective voice in education policy. He highlighted the importance of advocating for holistic development programs that focus on mental health, talent development, and creating safe learning environments for children.
Among the other key issues Fuad intends to prioritize is climate change advocacy. He underscored the significance of promoting sustainable school practices, reinforcing KEPSHA’s role in environmental stewardship within the education sector.
Fuad also reaffirmed KEPSHA’s dedication to the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He emphasized the necessity of ensuring teachers receive adequate training, schools are properly resourced, and policies align with the best interests of learners.
In his concluding remarks, Fuad expressed his intention to adopt an open-door leadership style. He stressed that teamwork, dialogue, and shared aspirations would guide the association’s actions moving forward. His vision is to foster an environment where collaboration and inclusivity drive KEPSHA’s progress in advocating for quality education in Kenya.
Fomer KEPSHA Chair Johnson Nzioka Laid to Rest
Johnson Nzioka, the late chairperson of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA), was laid to rest in Machakos County. A respected leader in the education sector, he was particularly recognised for his vital role in advancing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
During the funeral service held at Kasolongo Village in Mwala, Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang commended Nzioka for his unwavering commitment to promoting the CBC framework.
Dr Kipsang acknowledged that Nzioka played a crucial role in shaping Kenya’s educational transition and expressed deep appreciation for his extensive contributions to the presidential working party that facilitated the integration of junior schools into primary institutions.
Highlighting Nzioka’s dedication, Dr Kipsang noted that he was instrumental in the transition from Grade Eight to Grade Nine. At a time when many were apprehensive, Nzioka collaborated closely with headteachers to ensure learners were well accommodated within primary schools.
Dr Kipsang emphasised that his devotion to education was invaluable, and his passing represented a significant loss in the effort to refine Kenya’s education sector.
Collins Oyuu, Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), also paid tribute to Nzioka, describing him as a leader who played a pivotal role in fostering unity between teachers and the union.
Oyuu credited him with helping to bridge the divide between headteachers and the union, effectively eliminating previous hostilities and fostering collaboration.
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Fuad highlighted Nzioka’s impact on the association, emphasizing the need to continue championing the transformation of primary education. He reassured members that he would remain dedicated to realizing the aspirations set forth by his predecessor.
Born in 1965 in Kasolongo Village, Mwala, Nzioka embarked on his academic journey at Masii Boys High School in 1980. He later joined Migori Teachers Training College, completing his studies in 1987.
His pursuit of education continued as he obtained a diploma in education management from the Kenya Education Management Institute and later earned a degree in Education in 2017.
Ali Fuad Sworn in as KEPSHA Acting Chairperson
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