This is a list of functions and powers of the public service commission. The Public Service Commission dates back to 1954 when it was established by the British colonial government. It was initially known as the Civil Service Commission. The commission was enshrined in the constitution in 1963 and renamed to the present Public Service Commission.
The mission of the commission is to transform the public service for efficient and effective service delivery.
The commission is delegated with powers and the mandate to perform various functions as set out in Article 234 of the constitution and enabling legislation as listed below.
1. Establish and abolish offices in the public service and appoint persons to hold or act in those offices and to confirm appointments.
2. Recruit and select Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors of public universities, Principals and Deputy Principals of constituent colleges, under the Universities Act, 2012 (No. 42 of 2012) section 35 (1) (a) (v) as amended in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2018.
3. Exercise disciplinary control over and remove persons holding or acting in those offices.
4. Promote the values and principles referred to in Articles 10 and 232 throughout the public service.
5. Ensure that public service is efficient and effective.
6. Develop human resource in the public service.
7. Review and make recommendations to the national government in respect of conditions of service, code of conduct and qualifications of officers in the public service.
8. Evaluate and report to the president and parliament on the extent to which the values and principles referred to in Articles 10 and 232 are complied with in the public service.
9. Hear and determine appeals in respect of county governments public service.
10. Nominate persons to the Judicial Service Commission and Salaries Remuneration Commission under Articles 171 (2) and 230 (2) (b) respectively.
11. Recommend persons to be appointed as Principal Secretaries under Article 155 (3) (a)
12. Receive and process petitions for the removal of the Director of Public Prosecutions and recommend the appointment of a tribunal to investigate the complaints under Article 158 (2) (3) and (4)
13. Receive petitions for the removal of the Registrar and Assistant Registrar of political parties in accordance with Section 37 of the Political Parties Act.
14. Protect public officers against victimisation and discrimination while discharging their duties in accordance with Article 236 of the constitution.
15. Investigate, monitor and evaluate the organisation, administration and personnel practices of the public service.
16. Perform any other functions and exercise any other powers conferred by national legislation.
Public Service Commission of Kenya Contacts (PSC)
Location: Commission House, Harambee Avenue
Contacts: +254 20 4865000, +254 20 2223901, +254 20 2227471
