The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya has announced the shortlisting of 13 candidates for the position of Data Commissioner. This development follows the commission's advertisement of the role in print media and on its website on August 25, 2026, in accordance with Section 6(2) of the Data Protection Act. The advertisement closed on September 14, 2026, attracting a total of 152 applications.
The interviews for the shortlisted candidates are scheduled to take place on October 5, 2026, at the PSC headquarters located on Harambee Avenue, Nairobi. The shortlisted candidates include Nooseli Moses Lemayian from Narok, Otieno Oscar Onyango from Siaya, and Shalle Mohamed Abdi from Garissa, among others. Each candidate has been assigned a specific time slot, and they are required to arrive at least 20 minutes before their designated start times.
The PSC has directed shortlisted candidates to present a range of original documents on the day of their interviews. These documents include a National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates and transcripts, clearance certificates from various regulatory bodies, and a registered Credit Reference Bureau report. Candidates with degrees from foreign universities must also provide a letter of recognition from the Commission of University Education.
In a bid to enhance public participation, the PSC has opened a window for members of the public to submit any credible information relating to the shortlisted candidates. Submissions must be made through sworn affidavits, which can be delivered physically to the Secretary/CEO at Commission House or by email to [email protected]. All submissions must be received no later than October 1, 2026.
The full list of all 152 applicants is accessible on the Public Service Commission website, providing transparency in the selection process. The PSC's move to involve the public in the vetting process aims to ensure that the selected Data Commissioner is suitable for the role and upholds the highest standards of integrity.
The selected candidates will undergo interviews that will assess their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the Data Commissioner position. This role is critical in the implementation of the Data Protection Act, which seeks to safeguard personal data and ensure that it is processed in a manner that respects the rights of individuals.
Key to the success of this process is the integrity and expertise of the Data Commissioner, who will oversee the regulation of data processing and ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act. With the interviews set to take place in the coming days, stakeholders are keenly watching the developments, anticipating the appointment of a commissioner who will effectively balance the needs of data users and subjects.
Key points
- The Public Service Commission of Kenya has shortlisted 13 candidates for the Data Commissioner position from a pool of 152 applicants.
- Interviews for the shortlisted candidates are scheduled for October 5, 2026, at the PSC headquarters in Nairobi.
- The PSC has invited public participation in the vetting process, allowing submissions of sworn affidavits with information about the shortlisted candidates until October 1, 2026.
