Chief Justice Martha Koome has presided over the swearing-in of Francis Meja as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), calling on the commission to uphold integrity and professionalism in the public sector.
The ceremony also saw Emmanuel Mumia, Catherine Ochanda and Walter Ochieng Khobe take oath as commissioners of the Kenya Law Reform Commission, while Charfano Guyo Mokku was sworn in as a member of the National Heroes’ Council.
In her address, Koome underscored the PSC’s constitutional responsibility to entrench national values within the public service. She urged the commission to champion merit-based recruitment, fairness in employment practices and accountability in government institutions.
The Chief Justice noted that Article 234 of the Constitution mandates the PSC to strengthen institutional efficiency and promote excellence across the civil service. She challenged the new leadership to ensure the public sector reflects transparency and ethical conduct in its operations.
Turning to the Kenya Law Reform Commission, Koome described the body as central to aligning the country’s legal framework with constitutional standards. She said the commission must intensify efforts to modernise outdated laws and respond proactively to evolving social, economic and technological developments.
She further called for urgent action on statutes declared unconstitutional by courts, pointing out that such laws are identified annually in the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report and require prompt legislative review.
Addressing the National Heroes’ Council, the Chief Justice encouraged members to broaden the scope of recognition beyond high-profile individuals to include everyday citizens whose service and sacrifice strengthen communities.
Koome said honouring national heroes plays a vital role in shaping Kenya’s shared identity and reinforcing the values that bind the nation together.
