EXPLAINER: Who cannot be appointed Registrar of Political Parties

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has advertised the positions of Registrar and Assistant Registrar of Political Parties.

The advertisement follows the resignation of Ann Nderitu, who previously held the role of Registrar of Political Parties and has since been appointed as a commissioner at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Interested applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university in Kenya and demonstrate proven knowledge in finance, management, political science, law, governance, or public administration.

Additionally, candidates for the Registrar position must have at least 15 years of post-qualification experience in the relevant fields, along with a record of high moral character and integrity.

For the Assistant Registrar role, a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required.

Eligible candidates have until August 5, 2025, to submit their applications for these top positions.

Ms. Nderitu had led the institution since 2018, when she was appointed in an acting capacity by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. In 2020, she was formally appointed Registrar following a competitive recruitment process and parliamentary vetting.

Disqualification Criteria

A person shall not be eligible for appointment as Registrar or Assistant Registrar of Political Parties if, at any time within the five years preceding the appointment, they have:

  • Held office or stood for election as a Member of Parliament or a member of a county assembly; or
  • Served as a member of a governing body of a political party.