Chief Justice Martha Koome on Wednesday officiated the swearing-in of Francis Meja as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court building in Nairobi.
Meja takes over from Ambassador Anthony Muchiri and will serve a six-year term following his formal appointment by President William Ruto.
The event also saw the installation of new members to key state bodies, including the Kenya Law Reform Commission and the National Heroes Council.
Koome urges integrity and merit in Public Service
In her address, Chief Justice Koome called on the reconstituted PSC to remain steadfast in upholding constitutional principles, particularly merit, integrity and accountability in the management of public servants.
She reminded the commission of its constitutional mandate under Article 234, which requires it to promote national values and principles within the public service while enhancing institutional efficiency and professionalism.
“The Commission shoulders the duty of actualising Article 234 of the Constitution — embedding constitutional values across the public service, strengthening institutional efficiency, and advancing professional excellence,” Koome said.
She stressed the need for merit-based recruitment, transparency, fairness and ethical employer-employee relations across government institutions, noting that adherence to constitutional standards is key to strengthening public trust and improving service delivery.
New appointments to Law Reform Commission
Alongside Meja, Emmanuel Mumia, Catherine Ochanda and Walter Ochieng Khobe were sworn in as commissioners of the Kenya Law Reform Commission.
Koome acknowledged the commission’s critical role in reviewing outdated laws and aligning legislation with constitutional requirements. She urged the newly sworn-in members to build on previous reforms and ensure that law-making remains proactive and responsive to emerging social, economic and technological developments.
“Law reform must remain proactive, evidence-based, and responsive to emerging social, economic, technological and governance challenges,” she said.
The Chief Justice further directed the commission to prioritise amendments to 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 require timely legislative action.
Call to broaden recognition of National Heroes
Charfano Guyo Mokku also took oath as a member of the National Heroes Council.
Addressing the council, Koome encouraged members to expand the scope of national recognition by celebrating not only high-profile figures but also ordinary citizens whose contributions quietly strengthen communities.
She noted that recognising heroes and heroines plays a vital role in shaping Kenya’s collective memory and reinforcing the values that define the nation.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant transition in leadership within key constitutional and statutory bodies tasked with strengthening governance, legal reform and national identity.
