Joseph Boinett: Not only am I quiet and reserved, I detest mediocrity, believe in continuous improvement

“Majority of people, even those who think they know me do not really know what I do because the business that we do, by its very nature, obligates you to operate in the shadows.”

These were the sentiments of Nominated Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett as he opened up on his private life, to The Standard on Saturday reporter FAITH RONOH.

Born in 1962 in Kapkitony, Elgeyo Marakwet, but grew up in Ainabkoi Scheme, Uasin Gishu County, Boinett is married with four children aged between 16 and 24. He studied at Kipkabus Secondary School and later Baringo High School for A-level between 1980 and 1981.

Boinett says he is not only a quiet and reserved person who likes things done in the right way: “I detest mediocrity. I believe in continuous improvement. Those who have interacted with me can attest to this,” says Boinett, who also comes out as an eloquent speaker.

He spends his free time participating in church activities especially at African Inland Church (AIC) Langata, where he is a church elder.

“Besides, I practise small scale farming especially dairy and maize farming. This is something I have a personal attachment. I also read books on public policy and journals on foreign policy and foreign affairs among others,” he says.

Some of the books he just completed include Securing the State by David Omand, World Order (Henry Kissinger) and Beauty (Robert Gates).

“If I am not approved, I will go back to my normal life and serve Kenyans in the way that I have always done. There are many things that I have aspired to do or get but I did not. I move on, I don’t linger around and be grumpy.”

The current Assistant Director, National Intelligence Service (NIS) also enjoys playing squash and golf as a pastime activity.