KUPPET Bomet official pushes for mental health support for teachers

Teachers’ mental health must be treated as a national priority and not a peripheral issue, says Norah Cherukwen, Gender Secretary of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Bomet Branch.

Cherukwen said many educators silently shoulder heavy emotional burdens while shaping the country’s future workforce.

The pressures of classrooms, administrative duties and personal responsibilities often leave teachers exposed to stress, anxiety and burnout.

“Mental health is no longer a topic we can afford to whisper about. It is real, it is present, and it affects many of us in ways that are both visible and silent,” Cherukwen told Bomet Newswire.

Cherukwen said there is need to spearhead sensitization programmes to break the stigma surrounding mental health.

“We need to work closely with families, schools and agencies to ensure colleagues and students in distress receive timely support,” she said.

However, she believes these initiatives alone are not enough to address the growing crisis.

Among her proposals are the introduction of wellness days and mental health forums specifically designed for teachers at both county and national level.

She says such initiatives would create safe spaces for open conversations, healing and professional support.

“We must create safe spaces for open conversations, healing and support. Together with my team, I am committed to making this a reality,” she added.

Cherukwen also tied her mental health advocacy to KUPPET’s ongoing election season, urging members to back leaders who see teachers’ well-being as part of the union’s core mandate, alongside salary negotiations and welfare.

“Let us build a union that doesn’t just fight for salaries, but also for the hearts, minds and wellbeing of every teacher,” she said.

The Gender Secretary also underscored the importance of confidentiality in handling teachers’ mental health issues, saying privacy is essential to fighting stigma and ensuring effective support.

Cherukwen said family, mental health and gender matters are “deeply personal” and must never be politicised.

“In line with my commitment to family, mental health and gender issues, I reaffirm that these matters are deeply personal and must be handled with utmost confidentiality. They are not for public debate or politicization,” she said.

The union official explained that since 2021 she has worked closely with colleagues in need, offering support, referrals and follow-ups to ensure they receive full help and healing.

“Throughout my work since 2021, I have walked closely with colleagues in need, offering support, making referrals and following up where possible. I am encouraged by the appreciation received and continue to trust that those referred will find full help and healing,” Cherukwen said.

The union official stressed that confidentiality protects individuals from stigma, shields them from public exposure and promotes dignity in the healing process.

“Confidentiality is key, it protects individuals from stigma and ensures they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. No one should be exposed or paraded; instead, they need care, empathy and privacy,” she said.

Cherukwen called on fellow teachers and education stakeholders to foster a culture of empathy and support for colleagues who may be silently struggling.

“We are all susceptible to mental health struggles. Let us remain supportive, kind and present for those around us. While I have been actively involved in this work, I will never compromise the privacy of those I serve,” she added.

Cherukwen’s push mirrors global research showing that teachers’ wellbeing directly impacts student performance, retention and discipline and she believes addressing mental health openly can create a supportive culture benefiting both educators and learners.

With rising workloads and increased expectations, unions and government agencies are under pressure to provide psycho social support systems in schools.

Kenya’s Ministry of Education has announced plans to strengthen guidance and counselling services in schools, but mental health advocates argue that more targeted programs for teachers themselves are urgently needed.