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 an officer must have:

• Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years in the field of Human Resource Management in the wide Public Service, and must be in the grade of Senior Deputy Secretary Grade PSC 3 or in an equivalent senior management position in the Public Sector;
• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: Human Resource Management, Business Administration (Human Resource Management option) Human Resource Planning, Industrial/Labour Relations, or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: – Human Resource Management and development, Business Administration (Human Resource Management option) Human Resource Planning, Industrial /Labour Relations, Strategic Management or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution;
• Leadership course lasting not less than six (6) weeks from a recognised institution;
• Membership of a relevant professional body;
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of national goals policies and development objectives and ability to transform them into strategic human resource Management and Development; and
• Proficiency in computer applications

Duties and Responsibilities

• Overseeing the development, review and interpretation of policies, guidelines, strategies and frameworks to guide the human resource management and development function in the Public Service;
• Providing professional and technical expertise on human resource functions to MDAs and County Governments, in respect of terms and conditions of service, disciplinary control, appeals, training, employee relations and wellness;
• Analysing the human resource master plan and recommending appropriate interventions to ensure the Civil Service is manned by highly skilled and competent personnel;
• Overseeing the review of the staff performance appraisal system in the Public Service;
• Driving initiatives for partnerships and linkages with key stakeholders including MDAs, County Governments, Professional bodies and associations, Training and Research Institutions;
• Overseeing the review and recommendation of terms and conditions of service for public service;
• Spearheading collaboration with training institutions for purposes of offering appropriate training programmes for officers in the Public Service;
• Ensuring that the Human Resource Management Information systems (HRIS) is secure and accessible;
• Ensuring that disciplinary matters and appeals are addressed in line with the laid down procedures and regulations;
• Overseeing the development and implementation of strategies to promote Public Service Internship and Fellowship Programmes;
• Collaborating with stakeholders for financial support and attachment of the Interns and Fellows;
• Spearheading the development of frameworks for handling discipline matters and hearing appeals from MDAs;
• Validating and presenting Board papers to ensure compliance with the applicable laws, regulations and guidelines and presenting to the Board for consideration;
• Overseeing performance management and ensuring prudent utilization of resources;
• Coordinating the development and implementation of the budget, work plans, procurement plans, projects and programmes in the Directorate; and
• Overseeing mentorship and coaching of staff in the Directorate.