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 at least three (3) years in the grade of Senior State Counsel, CSG 8 and above or in a comparable and relevant position in the wider Public Service, the private sector or a law firm;
• A Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from a university recognized in Kenya;
• A Post Graduate Diploma in Legal studies from the Kenya School of Law;
• Been an advocate of the High Court of Kenya;
• Possess a current valid practicing certificate;
• Experience in handling litigation in court;
• Good communication and analytical skills;
• Be a member of the Law Society of Kenya; and
• Fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Handle litigation on behalf of the Commission;
• Preparing preliminary legal instruments in relation to legal proceedings on behalf of the commission in relation to cases that have been lodged against the commission;
• Drawing pleadings and responses for filing in court on behalf of the Commission;
• Preparing of the Commission witnesses in court proceedings;
• Drafting of legal opinions in line with the provisions of the constitution and legislations;
• Handling routine correspondence on legal matters;
• Preparation and drafting of briefs on appeals from county government public service, state corporations and public universities and other cases that impact the commission and ensure compliance with the constitution;
• Conducting preliminary research on matters, policies and legislations that impact on the commission’s mandate to ensure compliance with the constitution as per the mandate of the commission;
• Providing input in the development of policies and preparation of legislations to enable the Commission to effectively discharge its functions; and
• Ensuring  compliance with principles and values of good governance and human rights, transparency, accountability, ethics and integrity as the Commission undertakes its mandate.