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, an officer must have: –

• Served for a minimum period of five (5) years in the field of human resource management and development, three (3) of which should be at CSG 9 and above or in  a comparable and relevant position in the Public Service;
• A Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management, Social Science or comparable qualification from a university recognized in Kenya;
• Membership with IHRM or other relevant professional body.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designing and reviewing human resource management policies, strategies, procedures and standards in the Public Service;
• Undertaking research and analysis of policy issues relating to human resource management practices in the public service;
• Researching on best practices in human resource management for the Public Service;
• Liaising with Ministries, Departments and Agencies  on recruitment and selection matters;
• Developing proposals and recommendations on human resource management reforms in the Public Service;
• Formulating strategies for collaborative initiatives, partnerships and linkages with stakeholders;
• Following up with Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure compliance with human resource management practices and standards;
• Monitoring and Evaluation of implementation Human Resource Management policies, rules, regulations and procedures for the Public Service;
• Reviewing, designing, developing, deploying, training and implementation of appropriate information systems for use in Human Resource Management in the Public Service; and
• Development of departmental work plans, budget and programs