The County Public Service Board in Kenya is founded under Article 235 of the Kenyan Constitution, which mandates staffing provisions for county governments. Each county is required to maintain a public service board, ensuring local governance and public service efficiency.
Structure and Membership of the County Public Service Board
The composition of the County Public Service Board includes:
- A chairperson.
- Three to five members.
- A certified public secretary nominated by the governor and approved by the county assembly, serving as the board’s secretary.
Candidates for the board must comply with the Constitution’s Chapter Six, be outside state or public office, and have no recent political affiliations. The chairperson and other members should possess relevant academic qualifications and professional experience.
Tenure and Removal of Board Members
Board members serve a non-renewable six-year term, with removal possible under stringent conditions, including a substantial county assembly majority vote.
Primary Responsibilities of the County Public Service Board
The board’s responsibilities encompass:
- Creating and eliminating county public service positions.
- Managing appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
- Regular reporting to the County Assembly.
- Upholding constitutional values and principles within the county public service.
- Advising on human resource and performance management.
Authority and Duties of the County Public Service Board
The board has the authority to educate and enforce governance values, investigate violations, and recommend governance improvements. It operates independently, adhering to the Constitution and related laws.
Annual Reporting and Compliance
The board must annually evaluate and report to the county assembly on adherence to governance values, detailing its actions, recommendations, challenges, and future plans. This report is to be publicly accessible following county assembly submission.
This overview clarifies the County Public Service Board’s foundational role, structure, responsibilities, and reporting duties in Kenyan county governance, highlighting its integral position in ensuring transparent and accountable local government operations.
