In the heart of Kenya’s central region, where rolling hills meet vibrant communities, a groundbreaking event unfolded last weekend at Kerugoya Stadium.
Over 260 educators—typically armed with lesson plans and chalk—donned jerseys and cleats, transforming into athletes for a day.
This inaugural Kirinyaga Teachers Sports Day, held on August 23, 2025, wasn’t just about competition; it was a powerful stride toward addressing the escalating mental health challenges plaguing Kenya’s teaching profession.
Organized by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Athletics Kenya (AK), and the Kirinyaga County Education Office, the event drew participants from Kirinyaga and neighboring counties including Nyeri, Embu, Murang’a, and Kiambu.
With activities ranging from football and volleyball to athletics and field events, it served as a beacon of hope, promoting physical fitness, social bonding, and emotional resilience amid rising cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide in the region.
The Mental Health Crisis Gripping Kenya’s Educators
Kenya’s teachers, often hailed as the backbone of the nation’s future, are facing an invisible adversary: mental health disorders.
Recent data paints a stark picture. Nationally, three out of every ten teachers are battling symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to emerging reports from 2025.
In regions like Kirinyaga, the situation is even more dire. The county, alongside Nyeri and Nyandarua, ranks among the worst affected by suicides, with each losing between five and eight lives monthly, as highlighted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Teachers, in particular, are vulnerable due to heavy workloads, financial pressures, and the emotional toll of managing large classrooms in under-resourced environments.
A 2024 study in Kiambu County—neighboring Kirinyaga—revealed that over 50% of secondary school teachers experience moderate levels of depression, with factors like workload and burnout playing significant roles.
Similarly, a broader African study by UNESCO’s International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA) found that one-third of teachers and educators across 14 countries, including Kenya, report depression, while one-fifth to one-fourth exhibit anxiety.
The Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) has noted a surge in mental health cases among educators, prompting calls for targeted interventions. Stigmatization exacerbates the issue, as many teachers, especially men, hesitate to seek help for fear of discrimination or job repercussions.
This crisis isn’t isolated; it’s intertwined with broader societal challenges. Economic hardships, family losses, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have amplified stress levels.
In response, initiatives like UNESCO’s collaboration with the TSC provide mental health training, equipping educators with tools to recognize and address issues in schools. Yet, experts argue that preventive measures, such as sports and community events, are crucial for long-term well-being.
A Spirited Day of Unity and Relief
Against this backdrop, the Kirinyaga Teachers Sports Day emerged as a timely intervention. What began as a modest gathering swelled into an overwhelming success, with more than 260 teachers registering—surpassing initial expectations of around 400.
The event marked the launch of Kirinyaga’s first-ever women’s football league, featuring six teams from the participating counties, alongside other sports. Teachers dashed across tracks, spiked volleyballs, and chased footballs, all while forging connections that extend beyond the classroom.
David Miano, AK’s Kirinyaga official, described the turnout as “overwhelming,” predicting exponential growth in future editions. “If this year more than 200 teachers have registered, then we expect that next year the number could even triple or quadruple, judging from the commitment and energy we have witnessed today,” he enthused.
Participants received Athletics Kenya certificates, valuable for career advancement and integrating sports into their teaching curricula.
The initiative built on last year’s mental health workshop in Kirinyaga, emphasizing that these challenges affect everyone. KNUT Kirinyaga Secretary Mwangi Kanaiyo (also referred to as David Kanaiyo in some reports) urged cross-sector collaboration to alleviate the burden.
“We therefore call upon the government to support and fund such sports initiatives. This way, even as we transition from youth into old age, we will still have opportunities to participate and remain active. With government support, more people will be able to come together and benefit from such activities,” he stated.
He stressed the need for affordable healthcare and destigmatization efforts, noting the economic toll on families when breadwinners succumb to mental health issues.
KUPPET Kirinyaga branch chairperson Mwaithe Kinyua echoed these sentiments, highlighting sports’ therapeutic benefits. “When someone comes to a place like this, we get a chance to interact with our colleagues. When you enter into the race or engage in football, those thoughts that were weighing you down in your mind disappear,” he explained.
The event provided a much-needed outlet as teachers geared up for the third term, offering a space to stretch, relieve stress, and reconnect.
Prominent leaders lent their support, amplifying the message. Kenya Seed Company Chairperson Wangui Ngirici praised the teachers’ dedication, donating uniforms and balls to teams.
“Once our teachers are healthy, our children will be healthy too. Instead of people wasting away in destructive habits like drinking or gossip, here we are getting fit, sharing ideas, and creating positive energy,” she remarked. Ngirici advocated for a county-wide women’s club, the Kirinyaga Starlets, to nurture talent and sustain momentum.
Denis Murimi, Kirinyaga County Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman, noted logistical challenges like high fees and equipment shortages, calling for government empowerment of local sports branches.
Winners from the football league will advance to regional competitions, fostering ongoing engagement.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum for Mental Wellness
The sports day has ignited enthusiasm, signaling a new era for teacher wellness in Kenya. Plans are underway for annual events, potentially expanding to include more disciplines and participants.
However, sustainability hinges on funding. Organizers like Kanaiyo and Murimi emphasize government investment to cover costs, reduce barriers, and integrate mental health support into education policies.
Broader reforms, such as those recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, could incorporate wellness programs.
Qualitative studies underscore teachers’ need for coping strategies, with sports emerging as a practical, community-driven solution.
In a nation where educators shape generations, initiatives like this remind us that investing in teachers’ mental health is investing in Kenya’s future.
As the dust settles on Kerugoya Stadium, the real victory lies in the renewed spirits and strengthened bonds among those who mold young minds.
For more on mental health support for teachers in Kenya, stakeholders urge exploring resources from KNUT, KUPPET, and the TSC.
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