Ruto nominates Francis Meja as new chairperson of Public Service Commission
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, January 21, 2026Following John Muchiri’s exit from the helm of the public service commission in Nairobi on 20th January 2026, President William Ruto has nominated Francis Meja to the office as the new chair of the commission.
In a statement by the Head of Public Service, Felix Kosgei, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Francis Meja’s appointment to the position of the commission’s chair has been made in accordance with the constitution and will now be subject to approval by the national assembly.
“H.E. President William Ruto has nominated Francis Meja for appointment to the position of Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, subject to consideration and approval by the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution,“ Kosgei said.
Meja will now replace Muchiri, who heads to a diplomatic posting expected to assume his new role in Ankara, where Kenya has been expanding its diplomatic footprint and pursuing new economic partnerships.
Meja’s background
Before his nomination, Meja had been serving as a member of the commission since January 2025. Previously, he also served in various capacities, most notably as the pioneer chairperson of the National Transport and Safety Authority.
Before that, he also had a background as a member of the council at Murang’a University of Science and Technology and in the Ministry of Transport as a registrar of vehicles.
Mandate of the PSC
Once approved by the national assembly and appointed to the position, Meja will sit at the helm of a commission that is expected to establish offices in the public service and appoint persons to hold public offices, as well as to confirm their appointments; he will be to intensify efforts to promote values and principles of public service, expand multi-agency collaborations on performance management, and strengthen intergovernmental relations with county public service boards.