The Public Service Commission (PSC) has released guidelines outlining how public officers should conduct themselves ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, by PSC and signed by Mary Kimonye, the Vice Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, the commission reminded all government employees of their constitutional obligation to maintain political neutrality and adhere to the laws that govern political participation.
The notice comes after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced by-elections to fill 24 vacant seats in Parliament and County Assemblies across the country.
According to the statement, public officers intending to contest in the upcoming by-elections must resign from their positions within seven days of the official declaration of vacancies.
This directive is anchored in Section 43(5)(A) of the Elections Act, which requires any public officer seeking elective office to vacate their post within the specified period.
"In accordance with section 43(5)(A) of the Election Act, public officers interested in participation in by-election are required to have resigned from their position within seven days of the declaration of vacancies, "the statement read.
The commission further directed that public officers must not engage in any political activities while still in service.
The circular cited the Political Parties Act, Section 12(c) and (d), which prohibits public officers from engaging in political activity, publicly expressing support or opposition to any political party or candidate, or acting in any way that compromises political neutrality.
"Restriction on engagement in political activities: Section 12 (c) and (d) of the Political Parties Act (Cap. 7D) provides that a public officer shall not engage in a political activity that may compromise or be seen to compromise the political neutrality of the office or publicly indicate support for or opposition to any political party or candidate in an election," the notice stated.
The circular also reminded officers of their obligations under Section 23 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, Section 25 of the Conflict-of-Interest Act, and the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics, which emphasize impartiality and integrity in public service.
Any public officer found violating these rules will face disciplinary action under existing service regulations.
"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 continued.
The commission also outlined a clear compliance procedure, directing Ministries, State Departments, and Agencies to submit to the Public Service Commission the names of officers who have resigned to vie in the upcoming by-elections.
Institutions were instructed to ensure full adherence to the circular and take immediate administrative action in case of any breach.
“The contents of this circular must be brought to the attention of all officers under your purview,” stated Mrs. Kimonye in the notice.
The communication was addressed to authorized officers in public service, vice chancellors and principals of public universities and colleges, chief executive officers of state corporations, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Registrar of Political Parties, and the Data Commissioner.
The commission said the move seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and compliance in the public service ahead of the by-elections while preserving political neutrality among public officers to maintain public trust in government institutions.
