The Public Service Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, October 12, announced job opportunities for Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS).
In a notice issued by PSC chairperson, Anthony Muchiri, suitable candidates were encouraged to apply to serve on terms as determined by the appointing authority.
Further, all applications ought to reach the commission on or before Thursday, October 27, by 5.00 pm.
"Following the establishment of the Office of the Chief Administrative Secretary by H.E the President under Article 132(4) (a) of the Constitution as read with Section 30 of the Public Service Commission Act, 2017, the Public Service Commission hereby invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for appointment," read part of the notice.
Requirements for Appointment
The applicants must be a Kenyan citizen and should have a Bachelor's degree from a university recognized in Kenya.
The candidates ought to demonstrate the ability to manage the administrative-political interface.
They must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate the ability to articulate public policies and programmes.
The candidates ought to show the ability to undertake complex and high-pressure tasks that require engagements with multi-institutions and other public officers.
They should demonstrate the knowledge and application of national values as well as values and principles of public service.
The applicants ought to show knowledge and application of good governance, and also meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The interested applicants are also required to get clearance from the following bodies: Kenya Revenue Authority, the Higher Education Loans Board, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (certificate of good conduct) and a registered Credit Reference Bureau.
Duties and Responsibilities
A Chief Administrative Secretary will be responsible to the Cabinet Secretary in the performance of his/her duties.
The duties of a CAS will include responding to issues/questions touching on the portfolio assigned to the office, providing liaison with the National Assembly and Senate, and providing liaison with County Governments on matters of concurrent mandate.
Others include providing inter-ministerial /sectoral coordination, representing the Cabinet Secretary at any meeting as instructed by the Cabinet Secretary and executing any other duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to the office by the CS.
How To Apply
Candidates were instructed to provide supporting documents including a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates and transcripts, National Identity Card or Passport, testimonials and other relevant documents.
All applications ought to be clearly marked "Application for the position of Chief Administrative Secretary" and submitted in one of two ways:
either hand delivered to Commission House, off Harambee Avenue, Nairobi or posted to the commission's postal address.
The Commission noted that the names of all applicants would be published on the website after the closure of the advert. The names of shortlisted candidates would be published in the print media.
CAS Controversy
President William Ruto had kicked off a review process to determine the fate of the CAS position in his administration.
The post was originally created by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 to aid Cabinet Secretaries in managing the affairs in their respective ministries.
"I have decided to establish a new position in government, the position of Chief Administrative Secretary in all our ministries,” Uhuru stated at the time.
However, the position was declared illegal by High Court judge Antony Mrima in April 2021. The judge also noted that Cabinet Secretaries who continued to serve without undergoing vetting in 2017 are in office illegally.
On Wednesday, October 12, the court issued a temporary order barring PSC from advertising the CAS position pending the determination of the petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya.
