PSC warns State corporations and universities against making HR changes without approval

Public Service Commission CEO Simon Rotich during the inauguration of the Selection Panel for Recruitment of Nominees for the appointment as Director of Public Prosecutions at the Public Service Commission office in Nairobi on June 26, 2023 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Public Service Commission (PSC) has cautioned State corporations against making any Human resource changes without its approval.

In a circular addressed to the various heads of corporations and public universities on Thursday, August 10, PSC Chief Executive Officer Simon Rotich said that any changes adopted without the commission's approval will be considered null and void.

"Any newly developed or reviewed human resource management instruments or proposals for the establishment of new offices or abolition of offices should comply with the guidelines and be submitted to the commission for consideration and approval," said Rotich.

Rotich's remarks come days after Attorney General Justin Muturi claimed that PSC has no powers to establish or abolish offices in the public service, appoint persons, hold or act in those offices, or confirm appointments and exercise disciplinary control over persons in those offices.

According to Muturi, such powers can be adopted by the State Corporation Advisory Committee (SCAC) through the State Corporation Act and the Office of the Attorney General Act.

The commission has, however, dismissed Muturi's remarks accusing him of disregarding court rulings that stated that SCAC has no power to employ staff or review the corporations and recommend re-organization.

PSC has warned universities and parastatals against creating new offices or abolishing others without its approval.