President William Ruto has declared multiple vacancies in critical constitutional and statutory bodies and appointed selection panels to oversee recruitment.
In a Gazette notice dated April 10, 2026, the Head of State announced a vacancy in the position of chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) following the elevation of the previous office holder to the Court of Appeal.
He simultaneously constituted a selection panel to spearhead the recruitment process.
“The President, in exercise of powers conferred by law, hereby declares a vacancy in the position of Chairperson… and appoints a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees,” the Gazette notice reads.
The panel comprises Rueben Chirchir, Mwaramaka Mabruks, Stephen Mbaga Jumbale, Monica Muru, Claris Ogangah and Michael Nzomo.
IPOA plays a central role in police accountability, with a mandate to give effect to constitutional provisions on oversight and ensure law enforcement agencies operate within the law.
At the same time, Ruto declared impending vacancies in the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, with the terms of seven members set to lapse on June 19, 2026.
The committee is key in coordinating relations between the national and county governments.
“The vacancies arise following the lapse of the six-year non-renewable term of office of seven members,” the notice states.
A selection panel chaired by Anas Gathecha has been appointed to recruit nominees, with representatives drawn from the Executive Office of the President, the Council of Governors, the State Department for Devolution, the State Law Office, the Public Service Commission, and private sector bodies.
In a separate notice, the President also declared a vacancy in the membership of the Public Service Commission (PSC), triggering the formation of another selection panel to identify a suitable nominee.
“The President is required within fourteen days after the occurrence of a vacancy to issue a public notification,” the notice explains, adding that the process will be guided by constitutional provisions on public appointments.
The PSC is mandated to oversee human resource functions in the public service, including appointments, promotions and disciplinary control, as well as safeguarding values and principles of governance.
Further, the Head of State announced impending vacancies in the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), where the terms of two commissioners will expire on May 2, 2026.
To facilitate their replacement, a selection panel chaired by Ambassador Isaac Njenga has been constituted, bringing together professionals from diverse fields, including finance, education and public administration.
“The vacancies arise from the anticipated lapse of the six-year non-renewable term of office of two members of the Commission,” the Gazette notice says.
The TSC is responsible for the recruitment, management and discipline of teachers in public schools, making the appointments crucial to the stability of the education sector.
The latest moves signal the start of a fresh round of high-level public appointments, with the selection panels expected to shortlist and forward nominees to the President for consideration in line with the Constitution and relevant statutes.
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