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.

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:-

• Served for a minimum period of two (2) years in the grade of Deputy Director, Regional Development, CSG ‘6’, or in a comparable and  relevant position in the wider public service or private sector;
• A Bachelors Degree in any of the following disciplines:  Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Economics, Geology, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Water Resources, Commerce, Animal Health, Animal Production, Range Management, Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, or equivalent qualifications from a university recognized in Kenya;
• A Masters Degree in any of the following fields:  Natural Resources Management, Agriculture, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Geology, Civil Engineering, Agricultural  Engineering, Water Resources, Commerce, Animal Health, Animal Production, Range Management, Geomatic  Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems or its equivalent qualifications from a university recognized in Kenya;
• Demonstrated managerial, administrative and professional competence in work performance and exhibited a thorough understanding of national goals, policies,  objectives and ability to relate them to high proper management of planning and development functions in regional development authorities.

Duties and responsibilities: 

Specific duties and responsibilities at this level will include:-

• Overseeing development, implementation and review of planning policies, strategies, resource utilization charters and guidelines of Regional Development Agencies’ programmes and projects;
• Overseeing implementation of recommendations and findings emanating from reports of feasibility studies, research, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, projects and investments in the Agencies;
• Overseeing resource mobilization and allocation for implementation of projects, programmes and investments  in Regional Development Agencies;
• Spearheading collaborations with government ministries, departments, agencies, counties and stakeholders on matters relating to national, regional and international protocols, agreements, conventions and meetings;
• Coordinating dissemination of information on economic and investment opportunities in regional development agencies;
• Ensuring compliance of standards in the implementation of multipurpose dams and other integrated regional development projects  and programs;
• Overseeing implementation of policies on management of assets and liabilities in regional development agencies;
• Providing guidance to regional development agencies on engagement of viable public private partnerships;
• Ensuring provision of support in capacity building for the regional development agencies technical staff;
• Presentations on topical issues relating to Regional Development Agencies in national, regional and international conferences, meetings, conventions, for a symposia;
• Overseeing the preparation and implementation of work plans and performance contracts in the Directorate;
• Ensuring accountability and prudent management of resources in the directorate;
• Instituting operational accountability and teambuilding;
• Ensuring compliance with principles and values of good governance, transparency, accountability, ethics and integrity; and
• Supervising, managing and developing staff within the Directorate.