President William Ruto has described the late Johnson Nzioka as a distinguished educationist who advocated for the welfare of primary school heads.

In a statement on Monday, February 17, 2025, Ruto mourned Nzioka, who at the time of his death was the National Chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA), as a visionary leader who strived to groom students in an upright manner.

He expressed sympathy to the family of Nzioka and the larger education fraternity, offering prayers of comfort with the loss.

“Johnson Nzioka was a distinguished educationist who advocated for the welfare of head teachers in our country. He was visionary and devoted his time in grooming upright and industrious students. Our prayers are with the family and the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association fraternity. Rest In Peace,” Ruto stated.

Succumbed to injuries

Nzioka succumbed to his injuries after being involved in a tragic road crash on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Athi River.

He was the headteacher at Donholm Primary School at the time of his death and had been a headteacher for close to 20 years across various primary schools in Nairobi.

He steered the primary school heads who represented some 24,000 primary schools across the country with a student population exceeding 8 million.

KNUT mourns Nzioka

Nzioka was also mourned by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu who described the school head as an outstanding leader.

“Brother Nzioka was an exemplary outstanding leader with very distinct diplomatic leadership skills that helped redefine the KEPSHA leadership to a world-class teachers association at a time when Education management in the country was undergoing strategic reforms,” Oyuu said in his statement.

Oyuu said that the deceased was also at the forefront of championing the rights and welfare of teachers. He added that he was integral in negotiating teachers’ deals with the government and their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

“The KEPSHA chairman has stood out to be a great mobilizer for head teachers’ activities and a negotiator for their welfare during his short stint at the helm of the association.

“Nzioka has been a regular contributor to teachers’ well-being generally. He will be remembered for his soft but forthright speaking especially while brokering peace among his members,” Oyuu stated.