President William Ruto has declared vacancies in several key constitutional and statutory bodies and set up selection panels to oversee the recruitment of new office holders.
In a Gazette notice dated April 10, 2026, the Head of State announced the vacancy in the position of chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) following the elevation of the previous office holder to the Court of Appeal. He also appointed a selection panel to begin the recruitment process.
“The President, in exercise of powers conferred by law, hereby declares a vacancy in the position of Chairperson… and appoints a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees,” the Gazette notice reads.
The IPOA selection panel comprises Rueben Chirchir, Mwaramaka Mabruks, Stephen Mbaga Jumbale, Monica Muru, Claris Ogangah and Michael Nzomo.
IPOA is responsible for police oversight and ensuring law enforcement agencies comply with the law and constitutional standards.
At the same time, the President announced upcoming vacancies in the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee after the terms of seven members are set to end on June 19, 2026. The committee plays a key role in coordinating relations between the national government and county governments.
“The vacancies arise following the lapse of the six-year non-renewable term of office of seven members,” the notice states.
A selection panel chaired by Anas Gathecha has been formed to handle the recruitment. It brings together representatives from the Executive Office of the President, Council of Governors, State Department for Devolution, State Law Office, Public Service Commission, and private sector organisations.
In another notice, the President declared a vacancy in the Public Service Commission, triggering the process of identifying a new commissioner.
“The President is required within fourteen days after the occurrence of a vacancy to issue a public notification,” the notice explains, noting that the process will follow constitutional requirements.
The PSC oversees human resource management in the public service, including recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary control.
The Teachers Service Commission will also see changes after two commissioners complete their terms on May 2, 2026.
A selection panel chaired by Ambassador Isaac Njenga has been appointed to manage the recruitment process, drawing members from education, finance, and public administration sectors.
“The vacancies arise from the anticipated lapse of the six-year non-renewable term of office of two members of the Commission,” the Gazette notice says.
TSC is responsible for managing teachers in public schools, including recruitment, discipline, and career development.
The developments signal the start of a broad transition in senior public offices, with selection panels expected to forward shortlisted candidates for presidential consideration.