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 eighteen (18) years, three (3) of which should be in the grade of Deputy Government Chemist, CSG 6 and above or in a comparable and relevant position in the wider public service or private sector;
• A Bachelor of Science Degree in any of the following disciplines:- Chemistry, Food Science and Technology, Forensic Science, Biochemistry,  Environmental Science or equivalent qualifications  from a university recognized in  Kenya;
• A Masters Degree in any of the following fields:- Chemistry, Water Quality Management, Water and Environmental Resources, Environmental Science, Environmental Management and Planning, Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Forensic Science or equivalent qualifications from a university recognized in  Kenya;
• Demonstrated managerial and high degree of professional competence in work performance; and
• Exhibited a thorough understanding of the national goals, policies objectives and programmes and ability to relate them to the provision of quantitative and qualitative analytical laboratory services and water quality and pollution control services.

Duties and Responsibilities 

The Government Chemist will be the head of the Government Chemist Department or deployed as head of a department in other ministries, and will be responsible to the Principal Secretary for efficient organization, management and administration of all the technical services. Specific duties and responsibilities at this level will include:

• Formulating and implementing policies,  programmes and strategies in the directorate;
• Liaising with other stakeholders for effective formulation, planning, co-ordination and implementation of quantitative and qualitative analytical services and water quality and pollution control services;
• Provision of quantitative and  qualitative  analytical laboratory services and water quality and pollution control services;
• Overseeing the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC);
• Coordinating ,supervising, monitoring and evaluating all the departmental quantitative and qualitative analytical and forensic laboratory services;
• Being responsible for implementing the departments strategic plans and objectives;
• Preparing and implementing the departments performance contract;
• Overseeing the financial and asset management issues;
• Instituting operational accountability and transparency;
• Securing and managing financial support for development plans; and
• Coordinating the management, training and development of staff.