Outgoing National Youth Service (NYS) Director General Matilda Sakwa served her final day in office on Wednesday, April 19 after four years.
Matilda shared a heartfelt message as her final speech during a parade where she handed over to the new Director General James Tembur.
In her message, Matilda welcomed the change adding that she was grateful for an honourable exit, something that she had always prayed for.
She noted that she was leaving a legacy of serving as the first female Service Commander at the station and was happy to be leaving despite a thought by many to have her remain in office.
“I had always prayed for an honourable exit and I am happy He granted it. You all know what my two immediate former predecessors had to contend with.
“I leave having served as the first woman Service Commander, a feat that no mortal can erase from the books of history. I leave when a majority think I should have stayed a little longer,” she stated.
Further, Matilda noted that when she joined the service, she cleaned up a mess and established systems that have stabilised and protected NYS from unethical practices including poor management.
“We managed to bring back the stellar image and glory of the Service. We have put in place systems to curb unethical practices and now, the name NYS and the principles of accountability and transparency are no longer strange bedfellows.
“I came in when the morale of the officers was at its lowest but I feel a winner because the issues of staff stagnation and poor succession management are in the past. In a nutshell, with your support, we managed to bring the Service back on the right trajectory,” she added.
The outgoing DG further appreciated officials from the NYS who supported her through her journey including the acting DG for encouraging and believing in her.
“From Mr Juma who diligently coordinated work in my office, my office administrators Sharon and Carolyne, and my drivers Hassan and Olenashuru, allow me to make special mention of my ADC, Mr Kiambati Sandara.
“May I especially thank the acting Director General, Mr James Tembur, from the bottom of my heart. When I joined the Service, you were acting as the Director General. Naturally, one would have expected you to undermine me. On the contrary, you gave me all the support I needed,” Matilda noted.
Matilda's exit ruffle feathers with political leaders from the Western region including Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi claiming that the move was unfair and unnecessary.
“Matilda deserves to be promoted and not what she has been subjected to,” Osotsi stated at a press conference on April 13.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta picked Matilda Sakwa for the position in September 2019, to succeed Richard Ndubai, who was let go due to corruption allegations.
