President William Ruto has officially declared a vacancy for the position of Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), setting in motion the process of appointing a new officeholder.
The announcement was made through Gazette Notice No. 15945, following the expiry of Ambassador Anthony Muchiri’s term.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 7(3) of the Public Service Commission Act, and in accordance with the procedure set out under Paragraph 1(1) of the First Schedule to the Act, do hereby declare a vacancy in the position of Chairperson of the Commission,” the notice reads.
The Head of State also named a Selection Panel tasked with identifying suitable candidates for the position.
“Constitute a Selection Panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission.”
The President appointed the following individuals as members of the Selection Panel: Arthur Osiya, Jane Joram, Prof. Nura Mohammed, Sylvester Ngei Kiini, FCPA, Ruth Wambeti Ruraa, Nancy Oundo Dalla, and Elizabeth Chesang.
The Selection Panel will be responsible for vetting applicants and recommending the most qualified candidate to fill the top leadership position at the Commission.
The process is expected to follow established constitutional and legal procedures, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection.
The Public Service Commission, established under Article 233 of the Constitution, is responsible for appointing and overseeing officers in the public service, promoting ethical standards, and ensuring the effective management of government personnel.
Its mandate, further reinforced by Article 234 and the Public Service Commission Act, includes the authority to create or abolish offices, confirm appointments, exercise disciplinary control, and uphold public service principles.
The holder of a Commission office serves a single term of six years and is not eligible for reappointment, creating the need for a new Chairperson.
In line with Section 10 of the Public Service Commission Act, the President is required to issue a public notification within fourteen days of such a vacancy.
