I leave the National Intelligence Security Service after 7 years as the Director General and another 3½ years at the Director of the defunct Directorate of the Security Intelligence. In all, I have served our Government for a total sum of twelve thousand four hundred and forty hours (12,440 HRS).

During the last 7 years, I have been most fortunate to be part of a family of the Intelligence Community. In that relatively long and eventful time, we have been partners. We have shared moments of success and disappointments, also of happiness and sorrows.

The new paradigm has began shifting. We all recognize that shift is for the better. It is time to move on. It has been an honour for me to serve as the Director General.

The Service is not short of mavericks. Our shared vision is a good one. It is aspirational, compelling and directional. This vision easily translates strategy to action.

In an organization as vital and dynamic as (the) NSIS, there is never a good time to leave. There will always be critical work to be done, threats to be dealt with challenges and datelines that demand every energy that the DG can muster. But you all know that ours is not and will never be a one man show. It is an institution. It is run by a wonderful workforce that rides on its motto: Capable, Available and Reliable (CAR).

The next DG no doubt will be able to provide leadership, continuity and drive to improve the organization to even much greater heights. You owe your support and loyalty to him. In this way, you will all be in a position to serve the President and through him, the people of Kenya - the tax payers.

I want to thank President Mwai Kibaki for re appointing me to serve my second term on expiry of the first 5 year period which came to a close. That second term has now lapsed. My appreciation also goes to his predecessor, retired President Daniel arap Moi who appointed me as the first Director General of the Service on 19th January 1999.

The two Presidents recognized and continue to appreciate the significance of Intelligence in the National Security Policy Making Process. It is no wonder Kenya through the supports of its loyal citizens has remained peaceful and prosperous in the turbulent political and social waters of this world. Mark you, the NSIS is rated today the best outfit in the region and remains first among equals globally.

It has been a privilege and a great honour for me to serve this country in that enviable position. Intelligence is a noble profession.

I am equally proud of the leadership and the team that we have running the NSIS. Together, I am sure you will continue fighting the good fight long after I have left.

In my 34 years career, I have been privileged to serve our government in various capacities: an infantry officer; Military Intelligence Officer; Aid-de-Camp to a President; Peace Missionary; Director of Intelligence and Director General of NSIS. In all these assignments and specifically in the field of intelligence, I have come to realize that the following five attributes are of great significance in managing, upholding and sustaining a robust National Intelligence Service:

a) The government would need to continuously invest in the "character of their gatekeepers and its watchdogs".
b) The Director General of the Service should have direct and unfettered access to the Head of State and Government. In order to earn trust, he has to do things right and the right thing without fear, favour or ill will. In so doing, he must be efficient, loyal and balanced.
c) All men and women of the Service must direct all their time and energy towards promoting and projecting that which only serves and informs the National Interest.
d) The Service should operate within the law.
e) The Intelligence Service is a national insurance for Counter Intelligence. Yet a balance has to be struck between the national security interests and international threats and challenges. Information sharing with other nation - states has been the practice from time immemorial. This Partnership will need to be maintained taking into considerations, mutual respect, national interests, International Law, and the nature of power and its influence in the globalized environment.

Our NSIS history is being written everyday. We all know that the record of events never look like history when we are living through it. But one thing we are sure about is that today's events will be tomorrow's history. Every member of the Service is therefore encouraged to work hard and smart knowing full well that the total sum of all our dreams, Commissions and Omissions will form part of our national history - our legacy.

The field operatives will forever be our unsung heroes and heroines. Revolution in technology, however advanced, will not be able to tell us the mind of our adversary - his or her intentions. It requires HUMINT to make sense of intentions and capabilities. Like fish that swim upstream a fast moving river, I know you have what it takes - direction, determination, discipline and dependence. Keep the vision alive.

I have over time, known that a real friend is someone who is around in times of need and will never stand in your way except when you are falling. I am proud to say to you, the entire staff of NSIS that you have been my bosom colleagues. I urge you not to go out there, somewhere, looking for friends because you will be disappointed. Just be friendly and the genuine friends will be readily available.

I want to appreciate those who helped me in one way or the other - Drivers, Security, Sanitary Engineers, Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Coordination Team and other countless officers both men and women whom I met along the corridors of our offices to tell me "we pray for your health". Or the many others who dared me to improve on the hidden shortcomings of the Service. To all of you, both within the Service and outside, I say ASANTE SANA.

REGRETS - in my career, I have made mistakes but I can honestly say that I have no regrets today regarding anything I've done. My only regrets are things I did not do. Yes, there were things I said that I wouldn't say today. Yes, there were people I hurt along the way due to friction and fog of work. I can sincerely say I have learnt from my mistakes.

Finally, I want to thank you for the support you have all individually and collectively given me and my family. For being colleagues and friends. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. May God, the Almighty always bless you and your families.

Thank you!