The Public Service Commission (PSC), Kenya

Overview

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya is a constitutional body established under Article 233 of the Constitution of Kenya. It plays a critical role in managing human resources within the Kenyan Civil Service and local authorities. As the oldest constitutional commission in Kenya, the PSC has a mandate that has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of public service.

Vision and Mission

The PSC’s vision is to foster a citizen-centric public service that is efficient and effective. Its mission is to transform the public service to enhance service delivery, ensuring that it adheres to the values and principles outlined in the Constitution of Kenya.

Mandate and Functions

The PSC is tasked with several key functions, which are crucial for the effective management of public service in Kenya:

• Establishment and Abolition of Offices: The PSC has the authority to establish and abolish offices within the public service, ensuring that the structure meets the needs of the government.
• Appointment and Confirmation: It appoints individuals to hold or act in public service positions and confirms these appointments, thereby ensuring that qualified personnel occupy key roles.
• Disciplinary Control: The commission exercises disciplinary control over public service employees, including the power to remove individuals from their positions.
• Promotion of Governance Values: The PSC promotes the values and principles of governance, as stipulated in Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution, throughout the public service.
• Human Resource Development: It is responsible for developing human resources within the public service, focusing on capacity building and training.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The PSC monitors and evaluates the organization, administration, and personnel practices within the public service to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Appeals and Complaints: The commission hears and determines appeals related to public service matters, including those from county governments.
• Recommendations for Appointments: It recommends individuals for key positions, such as Principal Secretaries and members of various commissions.

Strategic Plan

The PSC operates under a strategic plan that aligns with Kenya’s development agenda, particularly the Kenya Vision 2030. The current strategic plan (2019-2024) emphasizes the need for a professional and competent public service that is responsive to the needs of citizens.

Core Values

The PSC is guided by core values that include:

• Citizen Focus: Prioritizing the needs and expectations of citizens in service delivery.
• Professionalism: Upholding high standards of integrity and competence.
• Innovation: Encouraging creativity and new ideas in service delivery.
• Teamwork: Fostering collaboration among public service employees to achieve common goals.

Organizational Structure

The PSC is composed of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and seven commissioners, all appointed by the President of Kenya with the approval of Parliament. The commission operates with a secretary who serves as the chief executive officer, overseeing day-to-day operations.

Recent Developments

The PSC has recently focused on enhancing its collaboration with other government agencies, such as the Kenya School of Government (KSG), to streamline public service operations. Additionally, it has been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving recruitment processes and ensuring compliance with public service values.

Conclusion

The Public Service Commission of Kenya plays a pivotal role in shaping the public service landscape in the country. Its commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery is essential for the effective functioning of the government. For more information, you can visit the official Public Service Commission website.

• Kenya Vision 2030
• Public Service Commission Act, 2017
• Kenya School of Government