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:-

• Cumulative service period of  fifteen (15) years, three (3) years of which must have been at the grade of Deputy Director/Chief Engineer (Irrigation and Drainage/Land Reclamation/Irrigation Water Management), CSG 6 and above, or in a comparable and relevant  position in the wider public service or private Sector;
• A Bachelors Degree in any of the following disciplines:- Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural and Bio-Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Hydrology, Geology, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Project Management or any other equivalent qualification from a university recognized in Kenya;
• A  Masters Degree in any of the following disciplines:- Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering, Environmental and Biosystems Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Agricultural Resource Management, Soil and Water Engineering, Land and Water Management, Land Use Management, Integrated Soil Fertility Management, Environmental Management, Environmental Planning and Management, Project Planning and Management or equivalent qualification from a university recognized in Kenya;
• Been  registered by a relevant professional body( Where applicable);
• Demonstrated a high degree of professional competence and administrative  capability required for effective planning, direction, control and coordination of irrigation function;
• Demonstrated a thorough understanding of national goals, policies and programmes and the ability to  translate them into the Irrigation water management; and
• Demonstrated professional competence, leadership and managerial capability as reflected in work performance and results

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities at this level will include:-

• Formulating, implementing  and reviewing policies, strategies, guidelines, standards, frameworks and regulation pertaining to irrigation infrastructure development and management as provided for in the Executive Order  No.1 of 2023( Revised), CoK 2010, Irrigation Policy 2017, Irrigation Act 2019 and UN SDG15.3;
• Initiating, implementing and monitoring irrigation  programmes  and projects as per the irrigation;
• Providing technical advice on matters relating to irrigation development and management, water harvesting and storage for irrigation as per irrigation Act 2019;
• Initiating mapping designating and developing areas ideal for irrigation schemes as per Executive Order No.1 of 2013 and irrigation( General) Regulation Section 7;
• Promoting development and usage of efficient irrigation systems across the country as per irrigation Act 2019;
• Coordinating resource mobilization for the irrigation infrastructure as per irrigation Act 2019 and irrigation ( General) Regulations;
• Promoting flood control through utilization of flood waters for irrigation as per irrigation Act 2019;
• Coordinating establishment of networks, linkages and partnerships with the private sector and development partners on irrigation scheme development, management, water harvesting and storage for irrigation as per irrigation (General) Regulation;
• Undertaking technical audits and assessments on development and management irrigation schemes, water harvesting and storage  for irrigation, as per irrigation (General)regulation section 15(SDG) No.15.3 Constitution of Kenya 2010 Chapter 5, Section 60;
• Collaborating with the national government ,county governments, and non-government entities on irrigation development and management as per irrigation  Act 2019;
• Developing and maintaining an irrigation database and integrate systematic monitoring and evaluation as per the irrigation Act 2019;
• Developing innovative methods and technology for water storage and groundwater recharge as per the SDG No.15.3 and Cok,2010 Chapter 5;
• Preparing periodic reports on irrigation sector development ,and irrigation water resources in the country;
• Preparing reports to both houses of parliament annually, and from time to time as may be necessary, on the state of, and needs for, irrigation development and management in the country;
• Formulating, implementing and reviewing programmes and projects pertaining to irrigation schemes management and productivity and irrigation reforms, research, innovation and capacity strengthening;
• Developing, implementing and reviewing of legislation and regulation pertaining to irrigation water use and schemes management;
• Initiating, developing, implementing and reviewing  irrigation reforms on schemes management;
• Conducting performance audits on irrigation schemes;
• Coordinating, supervising and receiving reports from the regional coordinators;
• Developing  innovative methods and technology for water conservation to enhance reliable and adequate ecosystem, water storage and groundwater recharge;
• Improving livelihoods through productivity of wasteland/ degraded lands using water harvesting and land resources;
• Undertaking research and promoting adoption and implementing innovative climate change adaptation technologies and programmes for land reclamation, water and food security; and
• Coordinating both resource mobilization and public private partnership (PPP) activities