Lengoiboni’s term at TSC ends
What you need to know:
- Mr Lengoiboni expressed confidence that his successor would take the profession to the next level.
- The man who replaced Mr James Ongwae (now Kisii governor) in 2004 endured several strikes by teachers pushing for better remuneration but, as usual, he remained calm.
- In March, the High Court in Nakuru issued a warrant for his arrest for failing to pay retired teachers Sh16.7 billion as pension and salary arrears.
After 30 years in public service, Gabriel Lengoiboni, who has been managing about 288,000 teachers, will tomorrow leave his office at the Teachers Service Commission as he starts his well-deserved retirement.
It marks a big change at TSC, where Mr Lengoiboni served for 10 years as chief executive officer.
“I am already packing my luggage to give space to my successor. I have done my part,” Mr Lengoiboni told the Nation. He has been replaced by Ms Nancy Macharia, who has been TSC’s director of teacher management.
Mr Lengoiboni expressed confidence that his successor would take the profession to the next level.
The man who replaced Mr James Ongwae (now Kisii governor) in 2004 endured several strikes by teachers pushing for better remuneration but, as usual, he remained calm.
“I believe in consultation and that is why I always asked teachers whenever they wanted to go on strike, to give dialogue a chance,” remembers Mr Lengoiboni, admitting that it was not easy.
He also endured long meetings, some taking weeks, as he negotiated with the union officials.
Mr Lengoiboni has also had his better share of moving in the corridors of justice in the line of duty, when he was sued by teachers and those who have retired.
In March, the High Court in Nakuru issued a warrant for his arrest for failing to pay retired teachers Sh16.7 billion as pension and salary arrears.
He, however, says some of the demands by the teachers, both serving and retired, were beyond his powers.
“Yes I wished to give in to the teachers’ demands but again you had to consult your bosses before committing yourself,” recalls Mr Lengoiboni.
As he calls it a day, a case by teachers is still pending in the Employment and Labour relations Court over a push for salary increment.
But he takes pride in having midwifed the establishment of a Sh6 billion comprehensive medical scheme for teachers, which is set to be rolled out on Wednesday.
Last week, in an emotional farewell to headteachers who were meeting in Mombasa, Mr Lengoiboni said serving at TSC had been both eventful and rewarding.
