Ann Barnes dealt with an "ill-advised" TV documentary, a probe into her car insurance, and youth commissioners who both had to step away from their role.
But she said she judged her time as PCC as a success.
She said Kent Police was now target-free, provided quality service and put victims at the heart of its work.
"Apart from one or two things I'd rather not have happened, I've really, really had a good time," she said.
Referring to incidents that led to adverse headlines, she said: "You have to accept what life throws at you and deal with it."
Mrs Barnes, who is not standing for re-election, said the Kent force was recognised nationally after latest HMIC reports.
"[Kent Police] genuinely puts victims at the heart of what it does. There are no targets, people don't chase targets. They just look to do a quality service," she said.
On her youth commissioner appointments, Mrs Barnes said: "You can't interview for the unexpected."
Kent's first youth commissioner Paris Brown resigned over comments she had posted on Twitter, and Kerry Boyd had to stop public engagements while reports of a relationship were investigated.
Mrs Barnes said Ms Brown handled things well after making mistakes when younger, and Ms Boyd did a good job and could have continued but turned down an extended contract.
After Ms Boyd left, the youth commissioner was not replaced.
Mrs Barnes said she was most proud of Kent Police's "open and transparent" culture.
And she said a new victim centre was providing "a wraparound service" to victims and witnesses, and she believed it would become a blueprint for delivering victims' services.
Voting for Kent's next PCC will take place on 5 May, with six candidates standing.

Itoje, 22, helped England complete the Six Nations Grand Slam and was part of the squad that secured a 3-0 series whitewash of Australia down under.
England captain Hunter, 31, was ever-present throughout 2016.
New Zealand fly-half Beauden Barrett won the men's player of the year award.
Barrett, 25, is the fifth successive player from the world champion All Blacks to receive the award, after Dan Carter (2012 and 2015), Kieran Read (2013) and Brodie Retallick (2014).
Itoje, his Saracens and England team-mates Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola, New Zealand's Dane Coles and Ireland's Jamie Heaslip were also shortlisted.
Itoje is currently injured and missed England's 37-21 win over South Africa on Saturday.
Steve Hansen was named coach of the year, and his All Blacks were team of the year having set a new record for winning 18 successive Tests.
South Africa's Seabelo Senatla and Australia's Charlotte Caslick were respectively the men's and women's sevens players of the year.
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Kent's outgoing high-profile police and crime commissioner (PCC) has said she is proud of her achievements four years after being elected.
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England forward Maro Itoje was named breakthrough player of year and compatriot Sarah Hunter won women's player of the year at the World Rugby awards.