Mr. Stephen Mitira /Photo courtesy/
Stephen Mitira, a dedicated teacher at Bar Union Progressive Primary School in North West Kisumu, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration to his students. Known for his unwavering commitment to education and personalized approach to teaching, he is highly regarded by both his pupils and the community.
A graduate of Kamwenja Teacher Training College, Mitira is a man driven by passion. Teaching has always been his calling, a vocation he has pursued despite numerous financial challenges.
During an exclusive interview with The Nyanza Review at his home in Maseno A Village, Sunga Sub-location, the educator shared his journey. Born the second of eight children, Stephen attended multiple schools due to financial and family challenges. After starting at Maseno Mixed Primary School (1988-1990), he transferred to Lumakanda Township Primary School (1991-1992) and later to Emuhole Primary School for a short stint. He eventually settled at Mundoli Primary School, where he completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 1996, scoring 444 marks out of 700.
He joined Ebusakami Mixed Secondary School, now Ebusakami Girls, and completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2000, earning a C+. However, financial constraints forced him to stay home for seven years before he could pursue his dream of becoming a teacher.
In 2007, the aspiring educator enrolled at Kamwenja Teacher Training College in Nyeri County, where he undertook a two-and-a-half-year teaching course. “I had to rely on financial assistance from friends, well-wishers, and bursaries, along with support from my retired father. I even sold a cow intended for my dowry to pay for my education,” Stephen recalled.
After graduating in 2009, his teaching journey began at Maseno Mixed Primary School, where he earned a meager Ksh 2,500 per month. Seeking better opportunities, he moved to Riverside Academy in Uasin Gishu, then to Luanda Happy Day Academy, and later to Maseno Education Center. Over time, his earnings improved as he took on additional responsibilities like scouting and sports coordination.
Stephen’s journey took him through several schools, including Oyiengo Primary School (2015-2018) and Eluhobe Primary School (2019-2020), before settling at Bar Union Progressive Primary School in 2021. Today, he teaches Kiswahili, Social Studies, and Science.
Despite his teaching commitments, Mitira is determined to advance his education. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree at Maseno University’s Kisumu City Campus, majoring in Kiswahili and Geography. Balancing his studies with family responsibilities has not been easy, especially with his eldest son in his second year at Machakos University and his daughter recently completing high school.
“I’m juggling a lot, but education remains my priority,” he said. True to his values, the teacher has also taken it upon himself to support a needy student pursuing a two-year Education Science course at Tharaka Nithi University, a gesture of gratitude for the help he received during his own journey.
Stephen Mitira is more than a teacher, his story testifies to resilience and a reminder that with passion and determination, it is possible to overcome life’s challenges and leave a lasting impact.
