Chief Justice Koome swears in Francis Meja as PSC Chair

Chief Justice Martha Koome has presided over the swearing-in of Francis Meja as the new Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Supreme Court building in Nairobi, also saw the swearing-in of commissioners to the Kenya Law Reform Commission and a member of the National Heroes Council.

Meja now succeeds Ambassador Anthony Muchiri.

The oath-taking comes days after President William Ruto formally appointed him to the commission for a six-year term.

In her remarks, Koome urged the commission to uphold merit, integrity, and constitutional values in managing the country’s public service.

She challenged the commission to ensure the government sets the standard as a model employer.

“The Commission shoulders the duty of actualising Article 234 of the Constitution – that is, embedding constitutional values across the public service, strengthening institutional efficiency, and advancing professional excellence,” Koome said.

She emphasised that the PSC must set the benchmark for merit-based recruitment, transparency, fairness, and integrity in employer–employee relations across government institutions.

According to the Chief Justice, fidelity to constitutional principles is critical in building public trust and enhancing service delivery.

Alongside Meja, Emmanuel Mumia, Catherine Ochanda, and Walter Ochieng Khobe were sworn in as members of the Kenya Law Reform Commission, while Charfano Guyo Mokku took oath as a member of the National Heroes Council.

Addressing the Kenya Law Reform Commission, Koome acknowledged its longstanding role in translating constitutional ideals into legislative reality.

She noted that the commission has, over the years, reviewed outdated statutes, proposed progressive reforms, and aligned sectoral laws with constitutional imperatives.

“Your responsibility now is to consolidate and deepen these gains. Law reform must remain proactive, evidence-based, and responsive to emerging social, economic, technological and governance challenges,” she said.

The Chief Justice further urged the commission to prioritise review of statutory provisions that courts have declared unconstitutional.

She noted that such provisions are identified annually in the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report, and called for prompt legislative action to amend or repeal them.

Turning to the National Heroes Council, the Chief Justice encouraged it to broaden its recognition framework by celebrating not only prominent national figures but also ordinary Kenyans whose quiet service strengthens communities.

She said by identifying, recognising and honouring heroes and heroines, the council shapes Kenya’s collective memory and affirms the values that define the nation.