Paul Famba takes Oath of Office as PSC Secretary/CEO

Chief Justice Martha Koome today presided over the swearing-in of Mr Paul Famba as the CEO/Secretary to the Public Service Commission (PSC), at the Supreme Court.

The CJ said it is essential for the Commission to keep in mind the historical context that informed the establishment of the Public Service Commission (PSC) as an independent constitutional commission. The PSC is intended to safeguard public servants from political patronage and to promote meritocracy as the distinguishing characteristic of public service.

This makes the PSC a priceless asset in our governance system, driving the desire of Kenyans to have a non-partisan, meritocratic, and responsive public service. It means, the way the PSC discharges its obligations directly affects the quality of our democracy.

Mr. Famba is taking office at a time when Kenyans’ concern about service delivery in our public offices is at an all-time high. The Commission should be at the forefront in promoting the constitutional idea that the common good should be the central value driving public servants in the performance of their duties. The PSC must ensure that public officers genuinely serve the Kenyan people.

I urge the PSC to work towards ensuring that public officers connect with the concerns of the general citizenry and act as stewards of public resources. Additionally, the PSC must lead the fight against corruption by reinvigorating efforts and actions aimed at rooting out corruption. We must lead the way in changing the narrative of public service in this country and ensure that corruption and abuse of office are ills that are shunned and not associated with public office.