Vihiga:Teachers from across Vihiga County have been encouraged to prioritize their mental and physical health during a free medical camp organized ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the medical camp, which started on September 27 and will continue until October 5, is taking place at the Vihiga County Commissioner’s headquarters under the motto ‘Twawaenzi Walimu, Mashujaa Wetu.’ The national celebration of World Teachers’ Day will be held at Kasarani in Nairobi on October 5.
Evelyn Chemjor, Vihiga County Director of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), stated that the camp was organized to help teachers evaluate their health and obtain information on maintaining their overall wellness. The services offered include screenings for body temperature, body mass index, blood pressure, sugar levels, and mental health consultations with a psychiatrist.
The medical camp is part of a series of events leading up to World Teachers’ Day. Teachers recently participated in five- and 10-kilometer runs in Kakamega, with winners receiving awards to encourage health-promoting activities. Additional activities include a tree-planting exercise and the TSC Open Day in Kakamega, featuring presentations on innovation, creativity, and cultural performances.
Teachers identified with health issues during the camp will be referred to hospitals for further care. Chemjor highlighted the presence of a TSC wellness division offering mental health assessments and referrals, with treatment costs covered by the government through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Annette Mutesa from Erin Medical and Wellness Centre, participating in the camp, emphasized the importance of mental health awareness among teachers. The center offers services for stress, depression, anxiety, and addiction management. Mutesa encouraged teachers to seek regular health checks and professional help for mental health concerns.
Curren Ameda, a teacher from Chanzeywe Comprehensive School, noted the value of the camp in providing health information and testing. She highlighted the limited time teachers have for health visits due to busy schedules and stressed the importance of peer support among educators.
The camp is part of Vihiga County’s preparations for World Teachers’ Day, aiming to support teachers from all sub-counties in maintaining their health and wellbeing.
