Peter Wafula How I Plan to Use My Experience to Transform Nairobi Teacher’s Welfare

PETER WAFULA is a veteran teacher at Dagorett High, Founder and Chairman of Nairobi County Teachers Forum CBO, and the Lead Organizer of World Teachers’ Day Celebrations in Nairobi. He chats with SILAS NYAMWEYA on what it takes to work as a long serving teacher, his accolades and his inspiration to clinching the top leadership post as Nairobi KUPPET chair.

Tell us about yourself and your current role.

I am a husband and a father of three. I am 42 years old. I teach at Dagoretti High School, a boys' school located in Dagoretti Sub- County. I specialize in Mathematics and Business Studies and have been in the teaching profession for last 17 years. I also serve as the boarding master service is in-charge of Teachers and student welfare, School environment and general hospital matters at the school. Previously between 2017 -2022 six years, I served as Dagoretti high teachers welfare chairman. Beyond academics, I am deeply involved in athletics, particularly as a starter in track events — a role I have taken up not only within the school but also at regional and national competitions. I have even had the opportunity to engage at the international championships namely Federation of East Africa secondary school sports association and World school cross country championships held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Being a teacher has been a major achievement for me, and interestingly, five out of the nine siblings in our family are teachers.

What are some of your contributions outside the classroom?

Apart from teaching, I am a technical official in athletics and also lead various clubs and societies. One of the key clubs I am among the founders is Amani Club, which promotes peace and harmony within the school and country. In 2017 while attending a peace conference in Nakuru organized by the NCIC, I was nominated to lead roll-out and operationalization of peace clubs in Nairobi county, a role I held for five years, focusing on conflict resolution in schools.

As a Business Studies teacher, I also guided the Junior Achievers Club, which trains students in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness as a coach. Through this club, students compete in business idea presentations. In 2011, I led a team of six boys to represent Kenya in Accra, Ghana during the student company of year competitions where we competed against other African schools and emerged third. ABSA Bank the Barclays bank awarded us for our creativity. Besides, I am also the patron of the Catholic community in Dagoretti high school. Therefore, My contribution as a teacher goes beyond the classroom, helping students grow in leadership, business skills, and peacebuilding.

What is the hardest part in being a teacher?

Teaching is a fulfilling profession because you help bring out the best in a person. However, the most difficult part is managing large number of students and ensuring each one succeeds. Students come from different backgrounds and have different needs, so balancing all that and helping them excel can be challenging. Still, understanding and working with different students is an interesting and rewarding experience.

You have an interest in vying for Nairobi KUPPET Chair position, What is your inspiration behind this?

I have been involved in union matters for some time and strongly believe that the union exists to negotiate better terms for its members, protect members interests and promote general welfare of its members. Over the years, several leaders have emerged in matters unionism and they made their contributions. However, growing up in teaching profession I have noticed several gaps in leadership that I believe I can fill. I have had leadership roles from high school, where I was chairman of the commerce club, to the university where I was the secretary general of student association. I also led the youth in the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma as the vice- Chairman then later the chairman where I served closely with the current Bishop of Machakos Catholic diocese My leadership journey has always been rooted in inspiring personal development and enhanced welfare of the people that I lead. Currently, I am the founder and chairman of Nairobi County Teachers forum CBO, duly registered by the government. This forum is a community of teachers whose mission is to strengthen and unify the teaching community for excellence and effective teacher productivity through enhanced welfare programs and social economic forums in partnership with other stakeholders. Through this forum we have been able to support many teachers in welfare issues, organized successful teacher fun day and sports events and successfully hosted the first-ever world teachers’ days celebrations in 2024. These roles have prepared me for greater leadership, including serving teachers through KUPPET.

What are some of the leadership gaps you've observed that you want to address?

One major gap is in advocacy, real advocacy. Teachers are facing many emerging issues, such as unreliable medical cover, CBA that do not address the needs of the teachers, and unfavorable working conditions leading to frustration in their work environment. Another gap is the disconnect between union leaders and ordinary teachers. Teachers also lack recognition and appreciation in their efforts beyond classroom. Small awards can mean a lot to a teacher and serve as motivation. There is also poor networking among teachers, and projects that could improve their welfare are not being promoted enough.

Through my Mwalimu Kwanza vision, I envision a stronger and united union which is responsive to the teacher’s needs. For the union to achieve this, it must establish a strong connection with the teachers in the staffrooms through advocating for the real issues affecting teachers. As the chairman of the Branch, I will offer leadership that prioritizes the teacher be at during Branch meetings, union events or negotiation tables. As a member of the national advisory council ( NAC), I will offer genuine advice arising from the grassroot to the national office.

In summary, my teaching and leadership experience, both in and outside the classroom, has equipped me with the knowledge and commitment to serve teachers better. I believe it’s time for a stronger, united and more responsive union from the branch level and I am ready to deliver that through Mwalimu Kwanza.

In conclusion, I would like to give a big shout out to my family and friends for always being there to encourage and support me. A special mention to my father Mzee Simon Nyaranga, my principal Mr. John Kairu Ndathe, immediate former Principals Hon. Peter Orero, chief principal (retired) B.K Ngahu, Hon. Senator Edwin Sifuna for always holding my hand in leadership and of course the great teachers of Dagoretti high school, not forgetting the Nairobi County Teachers forum family for being a great pillar in my world.