A growing wave of concern has emerged among teachers across Kenya, as reports of mental stress and burnout within schools continue to rise.
Educators now say the long hours spent in classrooms, combined with increased workloads and pressure to meet academic targets, are taking a toll on their mental health.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, several teachers admitted that the daily demands of teaching have become overwhelming.
Many noted that they are forced to juggle large classes, administrative duties, and the emotional weight of mentoring students, all while navigating new educational reforms and digital learning systems.
“We spend almost the entire day standing, marking, teaching, and handling disciplinary issues. By the end of the term, you feel drained physically and mentally,” said a teacher from Nyeri County.
“Some of us can hardly sleep due to stress and anxiety over results and performance evaluations.”
The situation has prompted teachers to start seeking professional counseling and medical support. Teachers’ unions have also begun urging the government to prioritize mental health programs within the education sector.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) officials have emphasized that burnout among educators could compromise the quality of learning and overall student performance if left unaddressed.
Health experts echo these concerns, warning that chronic stress can lead to depression, hypertension, and other severe health conditions.
Psychologists have encouraged schools to integrate mental wellness programs and peer support systems to help teachers cope with daily challenges.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has acknowledged the issue and promised to review policies that can ease pressure on staff, including reducing administrative burdens and introducing mental health days.
As the conversation on mental health gains momentum under the hashtag SemaNaCitizen, the plight of teachers serves as a stark reminder that caring for educators’ well-being is essential to ensuring a healthy and productive learning environment.
By Kenyans