Former CS Nicholas Biwott. Photo/nation.co.ke
I was deeply saddened by the news this afternoon that Hon. Nicholas Biwott had left us. It is difficult to find the words with which to do justice to his long service to this nation.
From humble beginnings in Elgeyo Marakwet County, he entered the civil service just after independence, serving in Meru County, before leaving the country to pursue a postgraduate degree in Australia. He was a member of that remarkable generation of Kenyans who won qualifications abroad shortly before and after independence, and then returned to build the young nation.
On his return from Australia, he worked, successively, in the Ministry of Agriculture, in the Treasury, and in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Amid all this, he found time to vie for the Keiyo South Parliamentary seat in 1974; the people of Keiyo South chose differently that time, but they would eventually accept his candidacy, and he would serve them as MP for more than two decades. He went on to serve in the Office of the President under our second President, Daniel arap Moi, as well as in the Ministries of Trade and Energy.
Throughout his time in Government, his diligence and intelligence shone through. These were the qualities that propelled his rise through the ranks of Government; and these are the qualities that he put at the disposal of the Presidents he served, and of his countrymen. They were balanced by his private warmth, his wit, his attention to detail, and his love of family.
All those who knew him well will also remember two other aspects of his character. First, his deep devotion to the education of young Kenyans: he funded many scholarships, and never ceased to insist that young men and women take every opportunity to improve themselves. Many of us have cause to be thankful for this aspect of his character. Second, his dedication to uplifting the community and the country. He never forgot where he came from, which is why he spent decades building schools, hospitals, and every other kind of development project he could. May his generosity never be forgotten.Now that he has gone to the rest his labours have earned, I pray that God will comfort and strengthen his family at this difficult time, especially his wife and children. May they be granted the courage to come to terms with the loss. And may the soul of the late Nicholas Biwott rest in eternal peace.