The first African teacher at Kenya High School, Dr. Pamela Nereah Kola, has passed away. Dr. Kola, a trailblazing scholar, celebrated children’s author, and lifelong advocate for education and gender equality, died on November 24, 2025, after battling a long illness with courage and dignity.
The entire education fraternity mourns her passing. She is remembered for becoming the first African teacher at Kenya High School in 1969.
Her life was one of extraordinary achievement marked by devotion to learning, compassion for others and an unshakable faith that guided her service to society.
Born in Ngiya, Siaya County, Dr. Kola’s early love for storytelling was nurtured by her grandmother’s tales in stories she would later publish preserving cultural heritage and inspiring generations of readers. This early spark blossomed into a lifelong passion for education and writing.
Dr. Kola began her professional journey at Machakos Teachers’ Training College before advancing her studies at Leicester University in the United Kingdom, the University of Nairobi and ultimately earning a PhD in Philosophy and Psychology in Education from the University of Arizona USA.
Her academic achievements opened doors not only for herself but for many young African women who followed in her footsteps.
After her groundbreaking tenure at Kenya High she went on to teach at Kipsigis, Huruma and Mary Leakey High Schools earning admiration for her dedication, integrity and compassion.
From 1973 to 1992 she served as Principal of All Saints Cathedral Kindergarten where her nurturing leadership helped shape countless young lives and laid the foundation for their academic and moral growth.
Even after her retirement Dr. Kola remained deeply committed to her students celebrating their milestones and praying over their successes.
Her former pupils fondly recall her as a teacher who not only imparted knowledge but also guided with wisdom and motherly warmth.
Beyond the classroom Dr. Kola was an ardent advocate for children’s rights, girls’ education and women’s empowerment.
She actively served in numerous organizations including YWCA, Maendeleo ya Wanawake, FEMNET, AAWARD and the Kenya Girl Guides Association.
As founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crèche and the Kenya Play Network she championed early childhood education and development both locally and internationally.
Her expertise earned her collaboration with global institutions such as UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO and CIVICUS where she contributed to shaping education and gender policies across borders.
Dr. Kola was also a prolific author of eight children’s books in English and Kiswahili several of which were translated into Japanese.
She left behind multiple unpublished manuscripts underscoring her lifelong commitment to literature and cultural preservation.
She was a key member of the East African Book Development Association, the National Book Development Council and the International Reading Association among others championing literacy and access to knowledge.
A devout Christian Dr. Kola was a pillar at All Saints Cathedral where she sang in the choir, served as an usher, read during services and adorned the altar with her floral artistry. Her faith shaped her humility, discipline and deep sense of purpose.
In 1970 she married Mr. Sylvano Kola in a historic ceremony officiated by the late Archbishop Festo Olang’ his first wedding after being installed as the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya.
Together the couple raised three children Nina, Bobby and Mariamme who each excelled in their respective fields of medicine, engineering and pharmacy.
She also cherished her grandson Aidyn celebrating every milestone of his life with pride and joy.
Her family, friends and colleagues remember her as a visionary educator, compassionate mentor, loyal friend, steadfast believer, a woman whose grace, intellect and warmth left an indelible mark wherever she went.
Over her illustrious career Dr. Kola received numerous national and international honors in recognition of her contributions to education, child development and community service.
As tributes continue to pour in one message resonates across generations: Dr. Pamela Nereah Kola’s life was a gift and her legacy a lasting light.
She will be remembered not only as Kenya High School’s first African teacher but as a woman who taught the nation what it means to lead with knowledge, humility and heart.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated by the family.
