The Public Service Commission (PSC) issued a firm directive to all public officers, cautioning them against engaging in political activities ahead of the upcoming November 27, 2025, by-elections.
The Commission reminded officers of the legal requirement to resign within seven days of the declaration of vacancies if they intend to contest, warning that violations will attract disciplinary action.
In a circular dated October 14, 2025, the Commission reminded all authorized officers, vice chancellors of public universities, chief executive officers of state corporations, and statutory commissions, as well as other senior officials, of their obligation to maintain strict political neutrality.
The directive also applies to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Registrar of Political Parties, and the Data Commissioner.
The by-elections, announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), will fill 24 vacant seats in both Parliament and various County Assemblies across the country.
According to the PSC, any public officer intending to participate as a candidate in these by-elections must resign within seven days of the declaration of the vacancies, in line with Section 43(5A) of the Elections Act (Cap. 7).
The Commission emphasized that failure to adhere to this timeline constitutes a breach of the law and could attract disciplinary action.
“Public officers interested in participating in the by-elections are required to have resigned from their positions within seven days of the declaration of the vacancies,” the circular stated.
The Commission further cited Section 12(c) and (d) of the Political Parties Act (Cap. 7D), which bars public officers from engaging in political activities that could compromise, or appear to compromise, the neutrality of their offices.
This includes showing public support for or opposition to any political party or candidate during an election period.
In addition, the PSC referenced Section 25(1) of the Conflict-of-Interest Act No. 11 of 2025, Section 23 of the Leadership and Integrity Act (Cap. 185C), and Section 24 of the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics (Revised 2016), all of which prohibit public officers from taking part in partisan politics.
These provisions collectively prohibit public officers from, acting as agents for political parties or candidates, publicly expressing support for or opposition to any political group, and participating in political activities that could compromise their office’s neutrality.
The Commission warned that any officer found violating these laws will face disciplinary measures as stipulated under the prevailing service regulations.
It directed all state departments and agencies to take immediate administrative action against breaches and to report compliance progress.
“Any public officer found in breach of the above legal and policy provisions will be subjected to disciplinary action in accordance with the prevailing service regulations,” the circular reads.
The PSC also instructed all accounting officers to submit the names of public officers who have resigned to vie for elective positions in the upcoming by-elections.
These submissions are to ensure accountability and adherence to public service ethics.
