The Public Service Commission (PSC) has invited eligible candidates to apply for the position of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In a notice, Shadrack Mose, the Chairperson of the Selection Panel appointed by President William Ruto to recruit Noordin Haji’s successor, said the applications should reach the panel on or before Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 5:00 pm.

“Pursuant to provisions of Article 157 of the Constitution and section 8(1) -(4) of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013, the Selection Panel invites applications from suitably qualified persons to be considered for nomination for appointment to the position of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” the notice reads in part.

To be considered for the position, Mose said, an applicant must hold a law degree from a recognized university, or be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification from a common-law jurisdiction.

The candidate must also have at least 10 years experience as a Superior Court Judge or professionally qualified Magistrate, or have at least ten 10 years experience as a distinguished academic or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal fields.

The candidate should be of high moral character, integrity and impartiality and meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. They should also demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, communication skills, fairness, good temperament, good judgment in both legal and life experiences and commitment to public and community service.

The successful candidate will hold office for a non-renewable term of eight years.

Some of the roles of the DPP include directing the Inspector General of Police to investigate any information or allegations of criminal conduct and instituting and undertaking criminal proceedings against any person before a court other than a court martial in respect of any office alleged to have been committed.

They are also mandated to, among others, be responsible for accounting for State monies received or paid out on account of the office, and submit annual reports to the president and parliament on the performance and overall fulfilment of the object and purpose of the office.

The position fell vacant following Haji’s appointment as Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Other members of the Selection Panel appointed to recruit the new DPP include the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Public Service PS Mary Kimonye, Mary Adhiambo Maungu, Roseline Odede, Richard Onsongo Bush Obwocha and Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Twalib Mbarak.