NPSC restarts hiring, shelves past interviews
On May 22, a fresh notice appeared in the local dailies inviting new applications for both positions, with no explanation for the reversal.
The recruitment of a new chairperson and member of the National Police Service Commission has hit a fresh delay after the selection panel unexpectedly readvertised the two positions, weeks after completing interviews and identifying suitable candidates.
The process had gone quiet since April, when interviews ended and the panel was expected to forward names to the President for vetting and appointment.
However, on May 22, a fresh notice appeared in the local dailies inviting new applications for both positions, with no explanation for the reversal.
In the new advert, selection panel chair Arthur Osiya called on qualified Kenyans to apply before June 12, 2025.
"Pursuant to the provisions of Article 246(2)(a) of the Constitution and Section 5 of the National Police Service Commission Act 2011, the Selection Panel invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the positions of the Chairperson and Member of the National Police Service Commission," the notice read.
This development extends the leadership vacuum at the commission, which risks stalling key operations. Among urgent tasks awaiting a full commission is the recruitment of new police constables.
The new appointments will replace chairperson Eliud Kinuthia, whose six-year term ended earlier this year, alongside members Alice Otwala, John ole Moyaki, Eusebius Laibuta, and Lilian Kiamba, who exited in March.
The initial interviews had shortlisted nine candidates for the chair role and 29 for the member positions.
Those interviewed for chairperson included former Busia Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa, ex-IEBC commissioner Margaret Mwachanya, former IPOA member Doreen Nkatha, former PS Micah Powon, and ex-MP Humphrey Kimani.
Others were John Mutegi, Komora Mubadi Jilo, Susan Oyatsi and John Otieno.
The exercise was briefly disrupted on March 25 when chairperson candidate Komora Mubadi Jilo collapsed and died at the Public Service Commission offices moments before his scheduled interview.
The outgoing team was appointed in March 2019 and served a single six-year term as outlined in the law.
The NPSC is responsible for hiring, promoting, and transferring police officers, confirming appointments, and exercising disciplinary control, including removals where necessary.
