The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a directive to public officers regarding their participation in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, the commission reminded civil servants of their legal obligations as the country prepares for polls in 24 electoral areas.
According to the circular, public officers wishing to participate in the by-elections must resign within the legally required timeframe.
"In accordance with Section 43(5)(A) of the Elections Act (Cap. 7), public officers interested in participating in the by-elections are required to have resigned from their positions within 7 days of declaration of the vacancies," the statement read.
The commission has also placed strict limits on political involvement by civil servants who choose to remain in office.
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The PSC circular emphasized that public officers are barred from engaging in any political activities that could undermine the neutrality of their positions.
Drawing from Section 12 (c) and (d) of the Political Parties Act (Cap. 7D), the commission noted that civil servants must not participate in activities that compromise or appear to compromise the political neutrality of their offices or show support for any political party or candidate.
Additionally, the circular referenced Section 25 (1) of the Conflict-of-Interest Act, Section 23 of the Leadership and Integrity Act (Cap. 185C), and Section 24 of the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics (Revised 2016), which collectively prohibit public officers from various political engagements.
These prohibited activities include participating in politics, acting as an agent for a political party or candidate, manifesting support for or opposition to political interests, and engaging in any political activity that may compromise the political neutrality of their offices.
"Any public officer found in breach of the above legal and policy provisions will be subjected to disciplinary action in accordance with the prevailing service regulations," the statement warned.
The PSC has directed state departments and agencies to submit the names of officers who have tendered their resignations to participate as candidates in the by-elections.
Officials have been urged to carefully review the circular's contents, ensure strict compliance, and take necessary administrative action within the law if any breaches occur.
The IEBC recently concluded the registration of candidates for the by-elections across the 24 electoral areas.
The electoral body indicated that the registration process ensures all nominated individuals meet the legal requirements to contest for the available positions.
Candidates who successfully completed the verification and registration exercise have been allowed to proceed with campaigns, which are set to conclude on Monday, November 24, 2025, 48 hours before polling day.
Campaign activities are restricted to daily timeslots between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the campaign period.
Several candidates have already been cleared to contest in various constituencies, including Newton Karish for Mbeere North under the Democratic Party (DP).
“This is not just another candidacy, it’s a movement. The people of Mbeere North are done with brokers and briefcase leaders. They want action, integrity, and truth in leadership, and Karish embodies exactly that. The wind of change is blowing, and it’s unstoppable," DP party leader Justin Muturi noted.
Other candidates cleared to run in the by-election include Boyd Were for Kasipul, Seth Panyako for Malava, and Stanley Karisa Kenga for Magarini.
