President William Ruto has confirmed the appointment of James Kipsiele Tembur as the Director-General of the National Youth Service (NYS).

According to a gazette notice dated December 19, 2023, Kipsiele whose appointment began on December 20, 2023, will serve in the position for three years.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 (1) of the National Youth Service Act, 1, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint—James Kipsiele Tembur to be the Director-General of the National Youth Service, for three (3) years, with effect from the 20th December 2023," the gazette notice reads in parts.

The appointment comes weeks after a selection exercise which saw five candidates being shortlisted for the position.

The other candidates included Njeri Nelson Mugweru, Anjere Alfred Tom, Humphrey Okuku, and Mbaruku Moses Njeru.

"The National Youth Service Council is pleased to inform the following shortlisted candidates for the position of Director General/CEO, NYS that interviews have been scheduled to take place on Monday, December 4, 2023," NPS said at the time.

Kipsiele who takes over from Matilda Sakwa has been serving as the NYS acting DG after Matilda's stint ended in April this year.

In her farewell speech, Matilda expressed gratitude to God and fellow officials from NYS. She also stated that she was leaving a legacy after serving as the first female service commander.

“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 at the time.

“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,” she added.