The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has posted the long-serving former KUPPET Kisii Branch chairman Laban Ouko to Rongo Sub-County in Migori County as a Sub-County Teacher Management Officer.
The posting comes after years of dedicated service in both the classroom and the trade union movement, with his last teaching station being St. Mary's Nyang'oge Girls High School in Kisii South Sub-County, where he served as a science teacher.
In his new capacity as Principal Teacher Management Officer (PTMO) in Rongo Sub-County, he will serve as TSC's technical officer in charge of teacher management at the sub-county level, working under the Sub-County Director.
According to the TSC Handbook on Decentralised Functions, his duties will include facilitating the processing of teacher registration and implementing TSC policies and guidelines related to teacher management.
He will also identify vacant posts in public schools based on staffing establishments, analyse data on teacher shortages for decision-making, maintain a skills inventory for teachers and advise on special needs education and gender and disability mainstreaming.
Other responsibilities will include receiving and processing applications for transfers of service, release to other institutions and retirement documents for onward submission to the county office.
He will also investigate allegations of professional misconduct within the sub-county and compile reports on public complaints concerning teachers.
Additionally, he will coordinate Teacher Professional Development programmes, Teacher Induction, Mentorship and Coaching (TIMEC), and Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD), supervise staff within the sub-county office and perform other duties assigned by the County Director.
Former union leader pledges fairness and service
During his handover ceremony held on Friday and witnessed by Rongo Sub-County Director of Education Mr Duncan Odhiambo, the former chairman thanked TSC for the elevation and teachers of Gucha for having trusted him to lead them as KUPPET chairman for years.
He said union leadership had taught him patience, listening and the importance of defending teachers at all times.
"I leave the classroom but I have not left the teacher. I have only changed the desk from where I serve you. My office in Rongo will be an office of listening, fairness and service. Bring your issues, we will solve them within the law," he said.
He asked teachers to support his successor in the union and maintain unity between KNUT, KUPPET and TSC for the benefit of learners.
He also urged teachers to embrace TPAD, Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and professional ethics.
Teachers from Gucha, Kisii South and across Kisii County described him as a humble, firm and knowledgeable long-serving science teacher who excelled at various stations.
Many recalled him as a teacher who simplified science subjects and produced good results in Physics and Chemistry, and as a unionist who never abandoned a teacher in trouble.
At St. Mary's Nyang'oge Girls High School, colleagues and students described him as disciplined, punctual and a father figure who mentored young science teachers and championed girls' education in science subjects.
Education officials welcome appointment
Mr Duncan Odhiambo, the Rongo Sub-County Director of Education, welcomed him to Rongo and assured him of full support from the Ministry of Education office in implementing education policies and ensuring quality learning in the sub-county.
KUPPET Gucha Branch officials said his elevation to TSC management was a motivation to classroom teachers that long service, integrity and professionalism could still be rewarded.
They wished him success in Rongo and asked teachers in Migori to accord him the same support he enjoyed in Gucha.
He is expected to officially report to Rongo Sub-County next week.
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