The Commission dates back to 1954 when Civil Service Commission was established by British Colonial Government following Holmes Commission Report, 1948; Civil Service Commission was advisory to the Governor in matters of appointments; At independence in 1963 it was enshrined in the constitution and renamed Public Service Commission; Independence Constitution had Regional PSC’s but abolished in 1964 following constitutional amendments; It is the oldest Constitutional Commission and its mandate has expanded over the years.

For appointment to this position, a candidate must:

• be a citizen of Kenya;
• hold a law degree from a university recognized in Kenya, or is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a commonlaw jurisdiction;
• have at least ten (10) years experience as a superior court judge or professionally qualified magistrate;

OR

• have at least ten (10) years experience as a distinguished academic or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field;

OR

• have held the qualifications specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) for a period amounting, in the aggregate, to ten (10) years;
• be of high moral character, integrity and impartiality; and
• meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.