President Ruto's Bold Move: Shaking Up Kenya's Public Service Leadership
In a significant development, President William Ruto has officially declared the top position at the Public Service Commission (PSC) vacant, setting the stage for a new era in Kenya's public sector governance. But here's the twist: he's also handpicked a seven-person panel to find the next PSC chairperson, a move that could spark debate on executive influence in appointments.
The November 3, 2025, gazette notice cites Section 7(3) of the Public Service Commission Act and Paragraph 1(1) of the First Schedule as the legal basis for this decision. The PSC, a constitutional body (Article 233), is responsible for hiring public officials, managing disciplinary matters, and upholding the principles of public service.
Here's a crucial detail: the PSC chairperson, along with other commissioners, serves a single six-year term, non-renewable (Article 250(6)). This means the upcoming appointment will shape the PSC's direction for the next six years, a period of significant government reforms.
President Ruto, adhering to legal requirements, has 14 days to publicly announce the vacancy, as per Section 10 of the Public Service Commission Act. The notice, a call to action, sets the wheels in motion for the selection process.
The panel members, a diverse group, include Arthur Osiya (Parliamentary Service Commission), Jane Joram (PSC), Prof. Nura Mohammed (Public Universities Council), Sylvester Ngei Kiini (selected under the Kenya Accountants Act), Ruth Wambeti Ruraa (professional societies), Nancy Oundo Dalla (Cabinet Secretary for public service), and Elizabeth Chesang (private sector).
Their task is critical: they must advertise the vacancy, screen applicants, conduct interviews, and recommend the best candidate to the President. This nominee will then face parliamentary scrutiny before taking office.
The PSC chairperson's role is pivotal, especially now. They will lead public sector reforms, oversee recruitment, and ensure the government upholds principles like meritocracy, integrity, and inclusivity in appointments. With ongoing civil service rationalization and digital transformation, this role is more crucial than ever.
This appointment process, mandated by law, is about to begin. Once the panel selects a nominee, the President will forward the name to Parliament, marking a significant step in Kenya's public service transformation.
The current chairperson, Anthony Muchiri, has held the position since 2021. The Constitution grants the PSC powers to create and abolish public service positions and discipline or remove officers when needed, ensuring efficient and principled public service.
And this is the part most people miss: the PSC also promotes national values and principles of governance (Article 10) and public service values (Article 232). This means the new chairperson will have a profound impact on the ethos of Kenya's public service.
Controversy Alert: Is President Ruto's direct involvement in the selection panel formation a necessary check or a potential overreach? How can the process ensure transparency and merit-based appointments? Share your thoughts below!
