From a young age, Christopher Owuor was surrounded by teachers. His brothers and sisters did great work as teachers, and this impressed him.
He wanted to be a teacher just like them.
Owuor believed that education can change people’s lives for the better. This belief goes hand-in-hand with his strong faith in God.
For him, education and faith are not separate things, but rather two important parts of life. These beliefs have helped him become a successful teacher and principal.
As Owuor gets ready to retire in April 2024, one thing is clear: teaching and sharing his faith have always been connected to him. They are like two sides of the same coin, each one making the other one stronger.
Christopher Owuor’s father, Pius Misori, was a big inspiration for him. Mr. Misori was one of his first teachers, as he loved both teaching and religion.
He taught Owuor the values that would guide his life, especially the importance of learning.
“In 1972, I embarked on my educational journey at Miyuga Primary School, in Rachuonyo North Sub County. It was here that I encountered the guiding hands of dedicated teachers like Martin Onyango, whose passion for math ignited my love for learning,” Owuor recalled in an interview with Scholar Media Africa.
Eight years later, Owuor’s love for learning earned him a place at St. John’s Seminary Rakwaro, a school famous for its discipline and honesty.
Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Paschal Okwach, Owuor thrived, surrounded by classmates who would go on to become pillars of society, including the current Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay, Michael Otieno Odiwa, and Rev. Fr. William Kawaka Bwana.
Transitioning to Mother of Apostles Seminary in Eldoret for his A levels, Owuor continued to excel in an environment that fostered both his academic and spiritual growth.
Here, under the guidance of Rector Maurice Crawley, the current Bishop Emeritus of Kitale, he formed enduring friendships that would last a lifetime even as he changed continents for quality education.
“In 1989, I crossed the borders to Lucknow University in India, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce. Alongside companions like Apollo Mboya and the late Charles Ombugu, I did not only pursue my studies but also shared my faith, evangelizing in a foreign land,” Owuor further narrates.
From Abroad to selling Mitumba
Returning to Kenya five years later, he was yet again faced with the challenge of unemployment.
This forced him to turn to selling second-hand clothes in Nairobi to make ends meet. For a profit of Ksh. 300, every market day, he held on.
“I stayed with my uncle Alpheus Ondiwa for about 2 years before I went to stay in my brother’s house in Kibera,” Owuor recounts.
His stint selling second-hand clothes was a testament to his strong work ethic and resourcefulness. He navigated the intricacies of entrepreneurship, gaining invaluable lessons along the way.
Transitioning from his uncle’s house to his brother’s in Kibera marked a new chapter in Owuor’s journey.
Despite the challenges, he persevered, driven by a desire to improve his circumstances and build a better future for himself.
With a family background deeply rooted in teaching, Owuor tried to pursue a career in education despite initially not doing a teaching course. He failed to secure an interview with the Public Service Commission, but after several applications, he succeeded in securing one with the Teachers Service Commission.
Two years after he landed back and started taking odd jobs to make ends meet, he finally got a teaching job at Kalamba Mixed Secondary School in Makueni County, as an untrained teacher in 1996.
While on this new job, he went ahead to pursue a postgraduate program, earning a bachelor’s degree in business studies from Maseno University in 2002.
Owuor, who doubled as the games teacher, made significant contributions, fostering excellence in regional and county sports activities such as football, volleyball, netball, and drama.
He utilized his position to support and encourage students, helping them develop their skills and talents beyond the classroom.
During a visit by the County Director of Education in 2014, Owuor’s exemplary performance as deputy principal at Maumba Mixed Secondary School caught the attention of Mr Nyakina, who expressed interest in considering him for the principal position.
From Maumba Mixed Secondary School, he was promoted to the position of principal of AIC Kinyuani Mixed Day Secondary School, where he served for 10 years.
As a principal, he created a supportive environment for his teachers, always encouraging them to explore their potential and engage in meaningful curriculum implementation.
Reflecting on his management style, Owuor emphasizes on conflict resolution by allowing people to have their say, viewing it as a strength rather than a weakness. He highlights the importance of guidance and counselling in addressing workplace issues and supporting students facing challenges such as financial difficulties.
Owuor’s positive outlook on life, coupled with his commitment to family and mentorship, has been shaped by his faith and the guidance of mentors like Dr. Henry Mulandi of the Christian Church International (CCI).
Beyond academics, his dedication to guidance and counselling has addressed various challenges within the school community, ensuring that every member feels valued and supported.
Teaching and Ministering
In 2010, Owuor’s career path took a new turn as he was ordained into pastoral ministry. Five years later, he received authorization to administer oaths, including those for dedication, weddings, and burials.
His dual roles as principal and pastor allowed him to make a profound impact, guiding students not only academically but also spiritually.
Asked about his role model, he says, “My siblings stand out. I admire their positivity and selflessness. The sacrifice of my mother, Magdalena Odhiambo, in seeing all of us in school humbles me.
My elder brother, Kaudo, is a mentor to me in so many ways. Despite facing unemployment, he remains humble and would assist, whenever he is in a position to do so. He will never send you to someone else when he has what you need,” he says.
Retirement and plans
In anticipation of his retirement celebration in Makueni, Owuor calls upon parents to encourage their children’s involvement in church, recognizing it as a vital avenue for moral and spiritual growth.
“Acknowledging the diverse needs of students, from financial struggles to the need for mentorship, I have tirelessly worked to empower them to overcome obstacles and pursue self-employment as a means of overcoming socio-economic challenges,” he stresses.
Owuor envisions a future where education is accessible to everyone without obstacles, and encourages individuals to embrace positivity, aggressiveness, and a strong sense of family values in their pursuits.
On the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), Owuor believes children are born differently and everyone should be given the space to explore their potential. He adds that with self-employment, the future is promising, and parents should be at the forefront in supporting their children towards this path.
“Today, you take your vehicle to the garage for repair, and in only 1 hour, you pay the mechanic Ksh. 3,000 for the service. Ask yourself what this will translate to in the evening. Self-employment is promising,” he poses.
He advocates for self-employment as a solution to socio-economic challenges and emphasizes the importance of community support in ensuring access to education for all.
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On what he plans to do after retirement, he says, “My role is cut out. I plan to initiate a community help system, where pieces of advice, career guidance, healthy living and respect for God is the norm.”
As he bids farewell to his 28-year teaching career in April 2024, Owuor leaves behind a legacy of support and mentorship for his students.
