The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a stern warning to all public officers against participating in political activities ahead of the November 27 by-elections, which aim to fill vacant parliamentary and county assembly seats.
Speaking on Wednesday, PSC Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye stressed that neutrality in executing official duties is mandatory and that public officers must comply with laws regulating elections and political involvement.
“The Commission reiterates that public officers are required to maintain political neutrality in the discharge of their functions and to comply with the provisions of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act,” said Kimonye.
She cautioned that any officer involved in political campaigns or related activities risks undermining their impartiality and would be considered in violation of the Constitution.
“Public officers must refrain from any activity that could compromise or be perceived to compromise the political neutrality of the public service,” Kimonye added.
The Commission pointed to Section 43(5) of the Elections Act (Cap 7), which prohibits public officers from contesting elections unless they resign at least six months before the poll date. It also cited Sections 12(c) and 12(d) of the Political Parties Act (Cap 7D), which bar public officers from political activities that may conflict with their official duties or compromise their impartiality.
“The Commission reiterates that any officer found in breach of these provisions shall face disciplinary action in accordance with the applicable public service regulations,” Kimonye stated.
Further legal backing comes from Section 25(1) of the Conflict of Interest Act 2025 and Section 23 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, both of which emphasize ethical conduct and the avoidance of political conflicts.
Kimonye highlighted that the PSC has circulated instructions to all government departments and agencies, requiring human resource offices to submit names of officers who intend to run for political positions, along with proof of their resignation before campaigning.
“Public officers intending to contest in the forthcoming by-elections must have resigned from their respective departments before the gazetted timelines,” she affirmed.
Departments have been tasked with ensuring compliance and taking administrative action if violations occur. The PSC underscored that professionalism, ethical conduct, and neutrality are essential to maintaining public confidence in government operations.
“The Commission reaffirms that neutrality of the public service is vital for maintaining trust and effective service delivery,” Kimonye said.
She reminded officers that participating in political campaigns, making public statements in support of candidates, or showing partisan alignment constitutes misconduct under the Code of Conduct and Ethics (Revised 2016).
The warning comes as part of a broader effort by the government to reinforce integrity and accountability within the public service. Recent PSC circulars have focused on compliance with ethics laws, conflict of interest rules, and the principle of political neutrality.
By issuing this advisory ahead of the by-elections, the PSC seeks to ensure that public servants remain impartial in policy execution and are not drawn into political contests.
“We must maintain a professional and non-partisan public service that serves all Kenyans equally, regardless of political affiliation,” Kimonye concluded.
