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;

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director, Health Management Services, Public Health will head the Directorate and his/her duties and responsibilities will include:-

• Ensuring compliance to the Public Health Act (Cap. 242), the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances, Act. (i) 21 (Cap, 254), Tobacco Control Act, 2007 Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010, Bio-safety Act 2009, Malaria Prevention and Control Act (Cap 246), Meat Control Act (Cap 356) and any other relevant legislation on public health;
• Formulating, implementing, interpreting and reviewing of public health policies, guidelines, standards and procedures;
• Liaising with relevant Departments and other stakeholders in the implementation of public health projects and programmes;
• Monitoring and evaluation of public health projects and programmes;
• Ensuring compliance to international health regulations and rules;
• Providing leadership in research on Public Health, trends and other emerging issues;
• Mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration and partnerships with bilateral and multilateral agencies in support of public health programmes;
• Inculcating innovation and modern technology in the provision of public health services;
• Representing the Principal Secretary in statutory, regulatory, research, standards and other relevant coordinating bodies;
• Developing and implementing strategic and work plans;
• (Planning and budgeting for the Directorate; and
• (Overseeing capacity building and performance management in the Directorate

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• Served for a minimum period of fifteen (15) years, three (3) of which should be in the grade of  Deputy Director of Medical Services; Public Health CSG 6 and above or in a comparable and relevant position in the wider public service or private sector;
• A Bachelors degree  in  Medicine and Surgery (M.B. Ch.B); Environmental Health, Public Health or any other equivalent qualification from a university  recognized in Kenya;
• A Masters degree in any of the following disciplines:   Environmental Health, Public Health, Epidemiology, Community Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Health Promotion and Education or equivalent qualification from a university  recognized in Kenya;
• A Registration Certificate by relevant professional body where applicable;
• A valid practicing license from a relevant professional body where applicable;
• Demonstrated managerial and administrative capability, and professional competence in work performance and results; and
• Exhibited a thorough understanding of national development policies, goals and objectives and ability to integrate them into the Public Health and Sanitation function