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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Spearheading the development frameworks and guidelines for human resource plans;
• Overseeing the implementation of Human Resource Plans for MDAs;
• Analysing current and future organizational needs to determine the quantity and quality of employees required to achieve the Commission’s goals;
• Reviewing plans of addressing skills gaps and proposing appropriate training programmes;
• Analysing data on the public service human capital and proposing appropriate interventions;
• Aligning public service human capital with the Commission’s overall strategy and goals;
• Advising on optimal resource allocation for human capital;
• Recommending strategies for attraction and retention of talents in the public service;
• Providing regular reports and updates on Human Resource planning activities to the Commission and other stakeholders;
• Organizing and allocating tasks to staff members in the Department to ensure optimal utilization of the resources in the department;
• Coordinating the preparation of individual work plans for staff members in the Department;
• Coordinating the preparation of department’s strategic objectives and budgets in accordance with Commission’s financial guidelines and account for program activities; and
• Developing of Departmental budget, procurement plans and cash flow projections.

 Requirements for Appointment

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

• Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years, in the field of Human Resource Management and Development in the Public Sector and must be at the grade of Deputy Director, Human Resource Job Grade PSC 4 or in a comparable and relevant position in the wider Public Service;
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Business Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Human Resource Management, Social Sciences, Business Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Membership of a relevant professional body;
• Leadership course lasting not less than six (6) weeks from a recognised institution;
• Demonstrate professional competence and managerial capability in work performance and results; and
• Proficiency in computer applications.