Serving Principal Secretaries were yesterday living on borrowed time after the Public Service Commission formally kicked off the process for their replacement.

In a Gazette Notice dated September 7, the PSC advertised the positions of PSs. The Constitution mandates the President to nominate a person for appointment as PS from among persons recommended by the PSC.

In the notice, PSC chairperson Anthony Muchiri said all applications should reach the Commission on or before September 20.

He also clarified that serving public servants who will be appointed to the positions will be granted leave of absence by the PSC.

The Gazette Notice follows guidelines the commission issued a week ago detailing how the CSs and Principal Secretaries will vacate office and hand over to their successors.

Principal Secretaries are accounting officers of their departments under government ministries.

“Article 155 (3) (A) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, mandates the Public Service Commission to recommend to the President persons for nomination and appointment as Principal Secretaries. Pursuant to this constitutional provision, the Public Service Commission invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for the position of Principal Secretary,” reads the gazette notice.

Among CSs and PSs expected to leave office include Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i his PS Karanja Kibicho (pictured) who have had  bad relationship with President-elect William Ruto.