The outgoing Makueni County TSC Director, Abubakar Hassan, who was recently promoted to Eastern Regional Director, has officially handed over office to the new County Director, John Paul Wepoghe, who was transferred from West Pokot.
During the event attended by key education officials and stakeholders, Hassan was described as a leader who transformed the working environment and inspired many education officers and teachers.
Makueni KESSHA chairman, who is also Matiliku Boys Principal Johnstone Ndivo, congratulated Hassan on his promotion, describing him as a leader who was always ready to offer solutions even when he disagreed with certain requests.
“As KESSHA chairman, you always consulted me and I equally consulted you highly as both principal and chairman. You have been good to us as the principals’ fraternity and the period we have worked with you has been one of the best,” said Ndivo.
Ndivo further wished Hassan success in his new role and welcomed the incoming director, assuring him of cooperation from teachers across the county.
KEPSHA National Organising and Publicity Secretary Nicodemus Musyoka, accompanied by Makueni County chairman Pascal Mutunga, described Hassan as a man of order who brought sobriety into the education system.
“Teachers have not been queueing in waiting rooms. Show us your ways and also share them with the new director. We have high hopes that the new director will be of great help to us,” added Musyoka.
KNUT Makueni branch Executive Secretary Benson Ndambuki noted that had Hassan’s move been an ordinary transfer, teachers would have appealed for him to remain in the county.
“If it were not for promotion, we could have appealed for you to remain here. We will miss your services, but since you are still within our region, we know we will continue benefiting from your leadership,” said Ndambuki.
KUPPET Makueni branch Executive Secretary Justus Kimeu described Hassan as a good listener, saying union officials always found him ready to engage regardless of how frequently they visited his office.
“Even the political class was very happy with you. We welcome the new director and promise him our support as long as we continue working together well,” said Kimeu.
Deputy County Director Daniel Ole Munyere, who worked closely with Hassan, said the transfer had shocked many officers within the department.
“You brought us together as staff and always handled matters professionally. I have never worked with a director who delegated responsibilities so effectively. You were a good boss,” said Munyere.
Mbooni West Sub-county TSC Director Said Ore noted that Hassan consistently insisted on fairness and professionalism, helping improve efficiency in data submission and service delivery within the county.
Ore added that Hassan encouraged officers to take leave regularly, recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hassan, who assumed office in July 2025, thanked the staff for their support and ranked Makueni among the best counties he has worked in.
He urged officers to uphold fairness and professionalism in service delivery.
“There is nothing wrong with helping someone, but not at the expense of inconveniencing another person. Always seek advice and work fairly,” said Hassan.
He further urged the incoming director to work closely with teachers and remain sensitive to mental health concerns within the profession.
The new County Director, John Paul Wepoghe, praised Hassan’s leadership and pledged to continue building on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
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“Your shoes are big, but I will try to fit in them. I am humbled by the warm reception. I have come here ready to work and serve the people of Makueni,” said Wepoghe.
He also encouraged education stakeholders to maintain unity and fairness while serving teachers and learners across the county.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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