By Reuben Olita
BUSIA, Kenya – A retired teacher and fine artist has urged the government to improve teachers’ salaries and working conditions, while also calling for enhanced mental health support to help educators cope with financial pressures and workplace stress.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service held in his honour at his Kosenyi home in Teso North Constituency, Busia County at the weekend, retired teacher Hosea Otulia said teachers continue to face numerous challenges that require urgent intervention from both the government and their union leaders.
Otulia, who retired in March after serving as a teacher for 35 years in various schools across Busia and Nakuru counties, expressed concern over the lack of professional counselling services for teachers.
The thanksgiving ceremony was presided over by Kosenyi Salvation Army Church and organised by the Kosenyi Comprehensive School Board of Management alongside teachers and community members.
The veteran educator challenged Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu to continue advocating for a comprehensive medical cover for teachers, arguing that the current Social Health Authority (SHA) system has not adequately met their needs.
“We need a medical cover that is acceptable and accessible to all teachers. Many teachers are struggling with health challenges and financial burdens,” he said.
Plans for Arts Centre
Otulia announced plans to establish an arts centre in Kosenyi village to nurture upcoming artists and pass on the skills and knowledge he has accumulated over decades.
“I don’t want to leave this world without impacting more lives. Pray for me so that I can establish this centre because I have many friends whom I intend to approach to help actualise this dream,” he said.
He revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was selected by the government to represent Western Kenya in a campaign that used art to educate communities on the dangers of the virus and preventive measures.
The role saw him interact with senior government officials, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
“I met President Uhuru Kenyatta and many other leaders. I was interviewed by major media houses, including KBC, BBC and Radio China International. That experience elevated my profile and enabled me to represent artists across the Western region,” he said.
Artists Can Help Fight Ebola
Drawing from his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Otulia urged the Kenya Kwanza administration to engage artists and musicians in sensitising the public on Ebola prevention.
He noted that artists played a significant role in helping disseminate public health messages during the coronavirus pandemic, contributing to efforts that helped contain the disease despite its devastating impact on livelihoods and the economy.
Otulia also praised renowned philanthropist Prof Olubayi Olubayi for providing him with space at the Kiwimbi Community Library in Amagoro where he established an art studio for mentoring young artists.
Proud of Former Students
The retired teacher reflected on the achievements of several students whose artistic and academic talents he helped nurture over the years.
Among them is Peter Elung’ata, whom he described as one of East and Central Africa’s most recognised artists.
He also cited Sharon Oradu, currently based in Seattle, United States, and Monica Otwane, a pilot with the Kenya Police Air Wing, as examples of learners whose lives were positively influenced through his mentorship.
Otulia further credited celebrated Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o for inspiring his teaching career through his literary works.
According to Otulia, Ngũgĩ later donated 200 books to Kosenyi Comprehensive School, enabling the establishment of a community library that promoted reading among learners.
Colleagues Laud Dedicated Educator
Teachers led by Kosenyi Comprehensive School Headteacher Ben Omoding and former headteacher Anne Okolee praised Otulia as a dedicated professional who effectively addressed challenges affecting learners and staff.
They described him as a teacher who related well with both students and adults and whose contributions left a lasting impact in every institution he served.
Kosenyi Salvation Army Church leaders Major Fanuel Lumbasi and Captain Noela Lumbasi encouraged those still in active employment to embrace a culture of saving to ensure financial stability after retirement.
Family members and relatives who attended the event celebrated Otulia for supporting the family following the retirement and eventual death of their father, David Binius Imo.
His uncle, 81-year-old Elias Murega from Cheptais, Bungoma County, advised the retired teacher to adapt to life after employment and invest wisely.
“Retirement has many challenges. People will invite you to fundraisers because they know you have received your pension. It is up to you to decide how to use your money,” he advised.
Murega, who retired 26 years ago, urged Otulia to continue using his teaching and artistic skills to mentor young people and generate additional income rather than depending solely on his pension.
Speakers at the event agreed that teaching remains one of the few professions whose practitioners can continue contributing to society long after formal retirement.
