By The Weekly Vision
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has warned public officers to desist from engaging in politics or face disciplinary action, including termination of employment. In a circular, PSC Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye also directed heads of departments and authorised officers to submit the names of those who have left the service to contest in the 27 November by-elections.
“You are required to submit to the Public Service Commission the names of officers under your State Departments or Agencies who have so far tendered their resignations in order to participate as candidates in the upcoming by-elections,” the circular reads in part.
The PSC cited Section 12 (c) and (d) of the Political Parties Act, which prohibits public officers from engaging in political activity that may compromise the neutrality of their offices.
“Section 12 (c) and (d) of the Political Parties Act (Cap. 7D) provides that a public officer shall not engage in a political activity that may compromise, or be seen to compromise, the political neutrality of the office, or publicly indicate support for or opposition to any political party or candidate in an election,” the PSC stated.
In addition, Section 25(1) of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, bars public officers from participating in political campaigns, acting as party agents, or engaging in activities that could compromise their impartiality.
The PSC warned that any public officer found engaging in political activities will face disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, or removal from office.
“Any public officer found in breach of the above legal and policy provisions will be subjected to disciplinary action in accordance with the prevailing service regulations,” the circular stated.
According to the PSC, public officers intending to participate in the by-elections must have resigned from their positions within seven days of the declaration of the vacancies; failure to do so renders them liable to disqualification.
The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is scheduled to conduct mini-polls for the Baringo senatorial seat, as well as the Banissa, Ugunja, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, and Mbeere North parliamentary seats, alongside several ward contests across the country.
Although it remains unclear how many public officers are contesting, there was an attempt to bar Seth Panyako from vying in Malava on the grounds that he serves as a board member at the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFUND).
Panyako, however, secured the DAP–Kenya party ticket and was cleared by the IEBC to make a second attempt at clinching the seat.
While the law on political involvement by public officers is clear, enforcement has often proved difficult, given the blurred line between politics and government in Kenya, particularly where ruling party interests are concerned.
