The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a new directive to all government institutions, warning public officers against engaging in politics ahead of the upcoming by-elections slated for November 27, 2025.
According to a circular sent to heads of public institutions and signed by PSC Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye, the PSC warned all public officers that the law requires any public servant intending to contest in the by-elections to resign from office within seven days from the declaration of the vacancies.
PSC stated that failure to resign within the specified timeline would amount to a violation of electoral law, thereby disqualifying the officer from contesting.
“Public officers interested in participating in the by-elections are required to have resigned from their positions within seven days of the declaration of the vacancies,” the circular reads in part.
“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,” it added.
Additionally, the commission reminded civil servants that Section 25(1) of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, prohibits public officers from participating in political campaigns, acting as agents of political parties, or engaging in activities, a move it said could undermine their impartiality.
Further, PSC warned that any public officer found breaching these provisions would face disciplinary action, maintaining that: “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.”
Disciplinary Action
According to the commission, some of the disciplinary measures affected civil servants could face include suspension, termination of employment, or removal from office, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.
In addition to the warnings, the PSC instructed all authorised officers and institutional heads to submit lists of staff who have resigned to contest in the 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,” PSC directed.
The commission also called on senior government administrators to ensure strict compliance with the directive and take immediate administrative action against any officer found violating the law.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to hold by-elections on several elective seats, including 24 constituencies, on November 27.
