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. The Commission then constituted of a chairman, a deputy chairman and fifteen members all appointed by the President. The Commission, since then, has handled matters of human resource management in the public service especially the civil service and local authorities. Constitution of Kenya, 2010 promulgated on 27th August 2010 reconstituted the Commission with a redefined and expanded mandate and a lean membership.

Requirements for Appointment

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years in the field of Human Resource Management and Development in the Public Service, three (3) of which must have  been in the grade of Assistant Director, Human Resource Management and Development in the Public Service, Job Grade PSC 5 or in an equivalent and comparable position in the wider Public Service;
• Bachelors Degree in any of the following disciplines: Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Business Administration, Human Resource Planning, Industrial/Labour Relations, or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Masters Degree in any of the following disciplines: – Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Business Administration, Human Resource Planning, Industrial/Labour Relations, Strategic Management or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution;
• Leadership course lasting not less than four  (4) weeks from a recognised institution;
• Membership to a relevant professional body;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Demonstrated professional competence and managerial capability in work performance and results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities at this level will entail:

• Coordinating the formulation, implementation, and review of legislations, policies, guidelines, frameworks, procedures, and strategies for standardized management of human resource development in the Public Service.
• Supervising the development of institutional frameworks for efficient and effective discharge of the Human Resource Development function in the public service.
• Overseeing the implementation of Human Resource Development policies and programs in the Public Service and preparing reports for consideration by the board.
• Overseeing the implementation of human resource development plans and succession management strategies for the public service.
• Generating research topics on emerging issues in human resource development and proposing relevant interventions.
• Supervising the preparation of Board reports on human resource development matters for the relevant Board Committees.
• Developing and implementing budgets, work plans, procurement plans, projects, and programs in the Department.
• Overseeing mentorship and coaching of staff in the Department