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:-

• Served for a minimum period of three (3) years in the grade of Principal Laboratory Technologist, CSG 8, or in a comparable and relevant position in the wider public service;
• A Diploma in any of the following disciplines: Applied Sciences (Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Biology), Food Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Building/Civil engineering, Earth or Sciences Biotechnology from a recognized institution;
• A Higher Diploma in any of the following disciplines: Applied Sciences (Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Biology). Environmental Chemistry, Food Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Parasitology, Haematology, Histology and Cytology, Building/Construction/Civil Engineering and Earth or Sciences from a recognized institution; and
• Demonstrated professional and managerial capabilities in work performance and results

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities at this level will include:-

• Coordinating provision of   laboratory services;
• Preparing and implementing work plans and programs;
• Ensuring submission of samples to reference and corroborating research institutes;
• Revising and approving laboratory manuals and quality specifications and standards;
• Coordinating safe laboratory waste disposal;
• Overseeing proficiency testing;
• Managing laboratory supplies;
• Facilitating technical evaluation for laboratory supplies and equipment;
• Providing technical advice on biosecurity matters and ensuring adherence to good laboratory practice;
• Implementing and maintaining laboratory operations standards (ISO 17025); and
• Liaising and collaborating with regional and international reference laboratories and research institutions for exchange of laboratory findings