New PSC team takes office

Government business has resumed after new Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioners were gazetted in a special notice Thursday.

The names of PSC chairperson Prof Margaret Kobia and eight commissioners were sent for gazettement on Wednesday night after approval by Parliament.

Prof Kobia will be the first chairperson of the PSC to dispense her duties under the new law (PSC Act 2012) assented to by President Mwai Kibaki in August last year.

Appointments, promotions, confirmation of officials in acting capacity and creation of offices had stalled since October last year after the commission lacked quorum.

This was occasioned by the expiry of the terms of old commissioners and the reforms taking place to reconstitute the agency.

The Head of the Civil Service Francis Kimemia said the transition process is finally on course with the approval of the names.

“We are on the final lap of a smooth transition especially since PSC; the Government’s hiring body is now in place. Nothing had been happening since October last year.

"Appointments and office creation have to be done and that is why we need this commission in place by the time we head to the election,” said Mr Kimemia.

He said the reformed PSC will ensure equality among Kenyans who are seeking jobs in government.

“The commission will dispense it duties as per the requirements of the Constitution and the law under which formed it. It will give equal opportunities to all Kenyans,” he said.

Peter ole Nkuraiya will deputise Prof Kobia.

The seven commissioners include former clerk of the National Assembly Patrick Gichohi, Prof Michael Lokuruka, Lawrence Nyalle, Veronica Chemutai Birgen, Catherine Raini Omweno, Judith Emboyi Bwonya and Titus Ndambuki.

The commissioners will work on a full-time basis, although the day-to-day running of the commission will be done by a secretary. The new law seeks to establish a more independent commission to promote ethnic and regional representation in government.

Prof Kobia, who has a wide experience in human resources management, will take over office immediately.

She is an Associate Professor of management and holds a PhD in Human resource education from the University of Illinois, US.

She is a scholar and a management training consultant with special interests in the area of human resources development, business strategy development, organisational development and learning facilitation.

Since 2005, she has been involved in Public sector reforms management training. Prof Kobia has worked for Kenyatta and Strathmore Universities.

Interviews for the new commissioners to the PSC were conducted in October and a shortlist presented to President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.