The Public Service Commission (PSC) has directed civil servants to stay away from political activities as the country prepares for by-elections on November 27. The move aims to uphold the neutrality of public service and prevent misuse of office for political gain.
In a circular issued by PSC vice chairperson Mary Kimonye, the commission reminded officers of the legal obligations if they wish to vie for elective posts. She emphasized that those intending to contest must resign within seven days of the declaration of vacancies.
“Any public officer aspiring to contest in the by-elections must have resigned from their position within seven days of the declaration of the vacancies,” Kimonye said.
The PSC explained that the directive ensures a clear division between public duties and political ambitions, shielding the service from conflicts of interest and maintaining public trust.
To enforce compliance, heads of government departments, public universities, state corporations, and other agencies have been asked to submit lists of officers who have resigned to run for office.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the by-elections to fill 24 seats left vacant in Parliament and county assemblies due to court rulings and deaths. Analysts see these elections as a mid-term gauge of political loyalties, with both government and opposition parties intensifying campaigns.
The circular cites multiple legal frameworks that regulate civil servants’ involvement in politics. The Political Parties Act, Leadership and Integrity Act, and the Conflict of Interest Act of 2025 collectively prohibit public officers from engaging in activities that could compromise their neutrality.
Under Section 12 (c) and (d) of the Political Parties Act (Cap. 7D), civil servants are forbidden from participating in political activities that may undermine or appear to undermine their impartiality.
The integrity law, combined with the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics, bars them from acting as party agents, campaigning, or supporting any political interests during elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that all by-elections will be conducted on November 27, 2025, marking the end of a prolonged period in which some vacant seats had remained without elected leaders for over two years.
In a Gazette notice dated, August 8, IEBC chair Erastus Ethekon listed 16 by-elections for ward seats in counties.
These include Angata Nanyokie Ward in Samburu County, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward in Nandi County, Chewani Ward in Tana River County, Fafi Ward in Garissa County, Kariobangi North Ward in Nairobi City County, Kisa East Ward in Kakamega County, Metkei Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Others are Mumbuni North Ward in Machakos County, Narok Town Ward in Narok County, Purko Ward in Kajiado County, Tembelio Ward in Uasin Gishu County, Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo Wards in Nyamira County, Lake Zone and Nanaam Wards in Turkana County.
Also, by-elections will take place for several positions including those for the Baringo Senate seat, MPs for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, Ugunja, and the MCA seat for Kabuchai.
