F esto Machira, a teacher known for blending fashion and education, continues to make an impact in classrooms with his distinct style and teaching approach. Currently at St John’s Junior Secondary School, Machira has taught at Jamhuri High School and St George’s Girls Secondary School in Nairobi, capturing the attention of students.
With his signature ‘70s vintage look, Machira brings a sense of nostalgia and artistic expression into the classroom.
“My style has created a friendly room for students,” he says. “They follow me for consultations, and this has helped them score good grades in English and Literature.”
Machira’s flair goes beyond his wardrobe. It is a tool for enhancing student engagement. Drawing inspiration from afro-futurism, he integrates style into his teaching, especially in literature. This approach, he shares, was shaped by a former lecturer, Prof Amuka, who introduced him to postmodernist theories on image representation.
“The way I appear interests the learners as I engage them in literature,” he explains.
As a vintage stylist, Machira carefully curates his wardrobe to reflect an old-school, retro aesthetic that resonates with a wide audience. His unique approach earned him the role of journalism club patron during his time at Jamhuri High, a position that allowed him to mentor students on storytelling and reporting.
But it is the impact on learning that truly fuels Machira’s passion. His students consistently perform well in English and Literature, which he credits to the rapport his style helps him establish.
“My style makes the learning environment inviting, and students find it easier to approach me,” he says, adding that this connection has improved their performance. It is no wonder that the subject he teaches tops the list of the best performing in many of the schools he is posted to.
Machira’s personal journey is as unique as his teaching style. He credits much of his personality and career direction to his upbringing and cultural background. His distinctive voice and calm demeanor, he notes, are results of the influences from family members, particularly his father, Omondi Machira, who exposed him to art, and his grandfather, a former fashion columnist.
“The foundation of my personality was intricately woven with my upbringing and childhood experiences,” Machira shares. “From my genetic predispositions to the influence of my environment, I became a teacher who brings a unique style to literature. Learning artistic forms from my father and drawing from my grandfather’s legacy have been instrumental in shaping who I am.”
While Machira has faced interpersonal challenges due to his distinctive style, he remains grounded and professional, focusing on his students’ needs and academic success. His resilience and calm attitude allow him to navigate conflicting perspectives while maintaining his individuality.
In 2024, after working as a Board of Management (BOM) teacher at Jamhuri High School and St George’s Girls for five years, Machira was confirmed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). This milestone, he says, has opened up new opportunities to reach a diverse group of students across various schools.
Reflecting on his career, he expresses gratitude for mentors like his former principal, Duncan Juma, who supported his journey at Jamhuri High and encouraged him to expand his influence as a patron for the journalism club.
With TSC’s confirmation, Machira feels empowered to continue influencing learners from all walks of life, offering them a creative and engaging approach to literature. For him, teaching is more than a job. It is a platform for inspiring the next generation.
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