Chief Justice Martha Koome has presided over the swearing-in of Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) appointees.
The event, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, saw Mary Wanjira Kimonye sworn in as the Vice Chairperson of the PSC and seven others, including Harun Maalim Hassan, Mwanamaka Amani Mabruki, Francis Major, Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga, Boya Molu, Joan Andisi Machayo, and Francis Otieno Owino, as board members.
Sammy Chepkwony took an oath as the new SRC Chairperson and was joined by new board members, including Jane Gatakaa Njagi, Major General (Rtd) Martin Kizito Ong’onyi, Mohammed Aden Abdi, Geophrey Apolo Omondi, Dr. Gilda Odera, and Leonid Ashindu.
Speaking after the event, CJ Koome emphasized the importance of collaboration among state organs to effectively serve the public interest.
“The members of the public we serve do not care where the ball drops. All they want is distinguished service,” she said, highlighting the need for efficiency and integrity in public service delivery.
She congratulated the newly appointed officials and reminded them of the substantial responsibilities they now bear.
Koome reiterated that the PSC and SRC were not only vital institutions but also cornerstones in ensuring equitable, transparent, and sustainable public management.
She noted that these commissions were essential in achieving Kenya’s broader aspirations for a public service that was centred around the needs and welfare of its citizens.
“These commissions are crucial for realising the vision of a well-functioning public service,” she stated, highlighting the important role they would play in shaping the future of governance in Kenya.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service, Amos Gathecha, highlighted the need for wise counsel from both commissions to support the executive functions.
“The executive is not in competition with the commissions; we are here to complement each other,” Gathecha said, stressing the importance of collective effort in fostering good governance.
PSC Chairperson Amb. Antony Muchiri reminded the new members of the weighty responsibilities they bore.
“These positions carry the responsibility of steering the future of public service,” he remarked, urging the appointees to remain impartial and resist political interference in their work.
The new SRC Chairperson, Sammy Chepkwony, laid out the commission’s priorities, emphasising a commitment to fair consultation with both state organs and citizens.
“Our goal is to promote fairness and equity in public service delivery,” Chepkwony affirmed, stressing the SRC’s role in ensuring that public service remuneration is just and in line with the country’s developmental goals.
Supreme Court Chief Registrar Fridah Mokaya emphasized the significance of cooperation among the three arms of government, namely the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
“As the Judiciary, we appreciate our close working relationships with the PSC and SRC,” Mokaya said, adding that such collaboration was vital in ensuring the effective delivery of services to the people of Kenya.
By Joan Ogolla and Clinton Ng’ielah