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.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Duties and responsibilities at this level will include: –

• Coordinating the development, implementation, review, monitoring and dissemination of policies, strategies, legislations, guidelines, frameworks, norms, tools, regulations, plans and standards on mental health;
• Spearheading leadership and governance for mental health at National and County Governments;
• Spearheading in Identifying and promoting the prioritization of strategies for promotion of mental health, prevention of mental health and substance use disorders;
• Taking lead in Strengthening mental health systems including information systems and research;
• Facilitating technical assistance and capacity building in prevention and control of mental health to state and non-state actors in National and County Governments;
• Spearheading the Integration on mental health services within the Kenya Essential Package for Heath and national policies;
• Taking lead in establishment, review, and oversee implementation of systems to mitigate mental health challenges, emerging trends, and burden of mental disorders;
• Coordinate the Secretariat for the Kenya Board of Mental Health;
• Providing leadership in Collaboration with the relevant directorate and other stakeholders in coordinating and undertaking health research and innovation and maintain repository; and
• Spearheading Business Process Re-engineering in the division of Mental Health.

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

• Served for a minimum period of three (3) years at the grade of Deputy Director- Medical Services CSG ‘6’ or in a comparable and relevant position in the wider public service;
• A Bachelors’ degree in any of the following disciplines: Medicine & Surgery, Clinical Medicine /Higher National Diploma in Clinical Medicine, Nursing or equivalent qualification from a university recognized in Kenya;
• A Masters in any of the following disciplines: Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Psychology or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Registration and licensing by a recognized regulatory body as applicable;
• Membership to a relevant professional body where applicable; and
• Demonstrated managerial, administrative and professional competencies in work performance and results.