Teacher Suicide Increase as Unions Call for Mental Health Action
Teachers’ unions are raising concerns regarding mental health as the number of suicides continues to rise.
Teachers’ unions in Kenya are expressing profound apprehension about the increasing number of teachers who have committed suicide, and they attribute this lamentable trend to the intolerable working conditions.
The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) reports that the number of mental health issues among Kenyan teachers is on the rise.
Benta Opande, CEO of KEWOTA, claims that the situation, which has reached critical levels, has negatively impacted the educational character of Kenyan schools.
According to Opande, approximately 30% of Kenyan teachers demonstrate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and since 2022, over 60 teachers have committed suicide.
Call for Mental Health Action
Omboko Milemba, the national chairman of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), reports that the number of suicides among teachers has increased by approximately 100 in the past three years. He emphasized the necessity of taking immediate action to resolve this concerning matter.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet) emphasized that teachers’ hefty burdens and unrealistic expectations were the primary factors contributing to their frustration and sense of failure, which ultimately led to suicide. These unions are referring to the situation as a mental health emergency, requiring immediate attention.
ALSO READ: TSC Employment of ECDE Teachers: What You Should Know
Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori highlighted the increased alcohol consumption among teachers as a coping mechanism for employment pressures, with some resorting to self-harm. Including fully-funded mental health training for all school staff, Misori argued for a comprehensive strategy to address the mental health crisis.
He also emphasized that their occupation should not force any individual to confront the possibility of suicide. He urged the government to address the factors that contribute to work-related stress and establish more comprehensive support systems for school leaders and instructors.
High cost of living and low salaries
Work-related stress substantially impacts the mental and physical health of teachers, prompting Misori to call for government intervention to address the underlying causes and establish the necessary support systems.
Collins Oyuu, Knut’s Secretary General, attributed the decline in teachers’ mental health to the high cost of living and low salaries. He underscored the necessity of equitable compensation and enhanced working conditions to alleviate the burden on educators, querying the number of additional teachers who must pass away before prompt action is taken.
Oyuu maintained that adequate compensation and convenient working conditions at entry and exit points could resolve the majority of teachers’ issues.
Peter Sitienei of Kusnet expressed profound apprehension regarding the crisis and encouraged immediate action. He observed that teachers comprise the largest numbers in mental hospitals and rehabilitation centers, with a significant number of them seeking assistance for depression.
ALSO READ: List of List of C Plain Teaching Courses in Kenya
Benta Opande, the chief executive of the Kenya Women Teachers Association, concurred that the number of suicides among instructors is on the rise and that mental health is a significant challenge that impacts teachers’ well-being.
The instructors’ emotional testimonies emphasized the severity of the situation. Teachers’ despondency was associated with delayed capitation and parental expectations, according to a Kiambu head teacher. He emphasized the necessity of timely support and sufficient funding.
Criticizing the unrealistic expectations placed on them, another teacher from Nairobi advocated for a comprehensive strategy to address their social well-being. He emphasized the importance of adequate support systems and the challenges posed by low pay.
TSC Commitment
In addition, there were requests to reform counseling services within the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Dr. Nancy Macharia, the chief executive of the TSC, reiterated the commission’s dedication to the well-being of teachers while also acknowledging the obstacles they encounter, such as the delayed adoption of IT skills and shortages.
ALSO READ: C1 Teacher Salary, Allowances, Roles and Qualifications
Dr. Macharia announced that TSC has implemented a wellness department to ensure a positive work environment, as well as a comprehensive health insurance plan with AoN Minet for all instructors. The TSC’s annual report for 2021-2022 emphasized the prevalence of mental health issues among teachers, stating that one in four teachers who sought outpatient medical services exhibited a mental health disorder.
Alcohol and substance abuse, desertion of duty, and immoral behavior impact the curriculum’s effectiveness, the report noted. The extent to which mental health issues are affecting the profession is even more alarming, as TSC has observed an increase in the number of cases, which has an impact on curriculum delivery.
The commission has maintained engagement with stakeholders and partners to raise awareness of mental health issues among employees, as well as improved medical schemes to facilitate more effective treatment for mental illness-related cases.
The report stated that suicide had claimed the lives of more than 22 instructors during the specified time frame. Sensitization programs and improved medical schemes are among the initiatives implemented by the commission to confront these obstacles.
ALSO READ: How to Apply for Statement of Results (Confirmation) from KNEC
Teacher Suicide Increase as Unions Call for Mental Health Action
