NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA), Johnston Nzioka, has died in a road accident along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Nzioka, who also served as the headteacher of Donholm Primary School in Nairobi, was involved in a fatal crash on the afternoon of Sunday, February 16, in Athi River.
According to police reports, his four-wheel drive vehicle collided with a moving trailer as he attempted to avoid a head-on crash with an oncoming car. He died on the spot.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Nzioka may have been speeding at the time of the accident as he drove toward Nairobi.
His body was taken to the mortuary for an autopsy as police launched an investigation into the crash.
Nzioka was a veteran educationist who dedicated his career to improving primary education in Kenya.
He rose through the ranks, having served as a headteacher in multiple schools across Nairobi before taking over as KEPSHA’s Acting National Chairperson in 2021 following the retirement of Nicholas Gathemia.
Beyond his role in school leadership, Nzioka was deeply involved in co-curricular activities, particularly in sports administration.
His contributions saw him rise from a Sub-County Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association to the National Vice-Chairperson in 2015.
He also held a regional position as the Organizing Secretary of the Federation of East African Primary Schools Headteachers, further cementing his influence in the education sector.
Nzioka was a vocal advocate for increased government capitation to schools, frequently calling out funding delays that left institutions struggling to meet operational needs.
His leadership earned him widespread respect among teachers and education stakeholders.
KEPSHA National Treasurer Kennedy Kyeva described Nzioka as a visionary leader who championed teachers’ welfare and quality education.
“We have lost a true advocate for education, a leader who always put the interests of teachers and learners first,” Kyeva said.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu also paid tribute, praising Nzioka’s ability to unite educators during challenging times.
“His diplomatic leadership and commitment to teachers’ welfare will be greatly missed,” Oyuu stated.
Nzioka’s death adds to the growing concerns over road safety along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, one of Kenya’s most dangerous road corridors.
Road accidents remain a leading cause of fatalities in the country, with reckless driving, speeding, and poor road conditions frequently cited as contributing factors.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash as the education sector mourns the loss of a dedicated leader.
