NAIROBI, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has sworn in Francis Meja as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), alongside new members of the Kenya Law Reform Commission and the National Heroes’ Council, urging the institutions to uphold constitutional values and strengthen public service delivery.
During the ceremony at the Supreme Court building in Nairobi, Emmanuel Mumia, Catherine Ochanda, and Walter Ochieng Khobe took oath as commissioners of the Kenya Law Reform Commission, while Charfano Guyo Mokku was sworn in as a member of the National Heroes’ Council.
Koome challenged the PSC under Meja’s leadership to make government “a model employer” by setting clear benchmarks on merit, transparency, fairness and integrity in employer-employee relations.
“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.
Article 234 of the Constitution mandates the PSC to establish and abolish offices in the public service, appoint persons to hold or act in those offices, and exercise disciplinary control. The Chief Justice said the commission must ensure recruitment and promotions are based on competence and fairness, especially at a time when questions around public sector accountability remain central to governance debates.
Turning to the Kenya Law Reform Commission, Koome said the agency has played a critical role in translating constitutional principles into legislative reality by reviewing outdated statutes, proposing reforms and aligning laws with the 2010 Constitution.
She urged the commission to deepen its impact by ensuring law reform remains proactive, evidence-based and responsive to emerging social, economic, technological and governance challenges.
The Chief Justice specifically called for prioritisation of statutory provisions declared unconstitutional by courts. She noted that the Judiciary identifies such laws annually in the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report, and emphasised that Parliament and relevant agencies must act promptly to amend or repeal them.
“Prompt legislative action is necessary to cure constitutional defects and safeguard the rule of law,” she said.
On the National Heroes’ Council, Koome urged members to broaden the scope of recognition beyond prominent national figures to include ordinary citizens whose service strengthens communities.
“By identifying, recognising, and honouring our heroes, you shape our collective memory and affirm the values that define us,” she said.
