The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) on 17, July 2025 held a high-level workshop aimed at finalizing the landmark Defence Civilian Staff Policy (DCSP), marking a critical step toward finalizing a fit-for-purpose civilian workforce within Kenya’s defence sector.
The workshop was held in Naivasha bringing together top leadership from the two institutions, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya, PSC Chairperson Amb. Anthony Muchiri, PSC Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye, Commissioners, MoD Secretary Administration Mr. Isaac Masinde and Directors from both MoD and PSC.
The workshop follows the successful completion of a nationwide public participation exercise conducted across MOD establishments in the Coast, Nairobi, Rift Valley, and Eastern regions from 23 March to 20 June 2025. This public engagement aligns with Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, which places public participation at the heart of governance.
Speaking during the workshop, Defence CS Hon. Soipan Tuya underscored the as being a strategic enabler that will ensures efficiency, professionalism, and accountability in non-combat roles. She noted that Civilian staff are the silent architects and unsung heroes in the defence infrastructure, from policy formulation to finance, healthcare, technical support and beyond.
Hon. Tuya lauded the partnership between MoD and PSC, noting that the Commission had been engaged since 2021, beginning with the approval of the initial concept note. She commended the Technical Working Group for conducting robust benchmarking both locally and internationally, engaging stakeholders, and incorporating views from the recently concluded public participation.
Echoing her remarks, PSC Chairperson Amb. Anthony Muchiri hailed the Policy as a transformative framework grounded in global best practices. This he explained that Modern Ministries of Defence operate most effectively with a well-integrated civilian component highlighting that the proposed DCSP that the Policy proposes structured approaches to recruitment, placement, training, and performance evaluation which are tailored to the Ministry’s operational needs.
“Once approved, the Policy’s success will depend not only on its quality but on the resolve with which it is implemented. The Commission stands ready to expedite its consideration and approval,” he stated.
During the workshop, the Policy Technical Working Group, comprising representatives from both the Ministry of Defence and the Public Service Commission, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the draft Policy, incorporating key insights gathered during the recently concluded public participation exercise. With guidance from the Commission, the team will now refine the draft Policy to address PSC input before formally submitting it for consideration and approval.
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