President William Ruto has officially nominated Francis Meja, the former Director-General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), as the new Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The announcement, made on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, positions Meja to take over the helm of the country’s critical human resource body.
If approved by Parliament, Meja will succeed Ambassador Anthony Muchiri, who recently vacated the seat to serve as Kenya’s ambassador to Turkey.
Francis Meja to Replace Anthony Muchiri
Francis Meja is not a newcomer to the commission. Until this nomination, he has been serving as a PSC Commissioner (Member), a role he assumed in January 2025.
His elevation to the chairperson position signals President Ruto’s confidence in his ability to steer the commission during a period of significant public sector reforms.
“His Excellency the President has today nominated Mr. Francis Meja for appointment as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission,” read the statement from Felix Koskei.
The nomination has been formally transmitted to the National Assembly for vetting, a constitutional requirement before he can be officially appointed.
Who is Francis Meja?
Francis Meja is a seasoned administrator with a blend of public sector leadership and private sector management experience. He is best known for his tenure as the founding Director-General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), where he served from 2014 to 2020.
Key Highlights of Francis Meja’s Career:
- NTSA Leadership: As the first DG of the NTSA, Meja was instrumental in setting up the authority and overseeing the migration of motor vehicle registration from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to the NTSA.
- Banking Sector: Before joining the public service, Meja spent over 15 years in the banking industry, holding senior management portfolios at Equity Bank and the Housing Finance Company of Kenya (HFCK).
- Education: He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi.
- Wealth Declaration: During his vetting for the PSC Commissioner role in early 2025, Meja was reported as the wealthiest nominee, declaring a net worth of Ksh 322 million.
For more on his previous appointment, see: Francis Meja sworn in as PSC Commissioner (Jan 2025) – The Star
The Task Ahead
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is one of the most powerful constitutional commissions in Kenya. As Chairperson, Francis Meja will be responsible for:
- Human Resource Management: Overseeing the recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary control of public officers.
- Policy Direction: Advising the government on the organization and administration of the public service.
- Efficiency: ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the public service.
Meja steps into the role following the exit of Ambassador Anthony Muchiri, whose term saw the implementation of various HR policies. Muchiri is now representing Kenya’s interests in Ankara, Turkey.
Next Steps: Parliamentary Vetting
Following the President’s nomination, the ball is now in the National Assembly’s court. The Speaker is expected to forward the name to the relevant departmental committee for vetting.
Francis will be required to appear before the MPs to defend his suitability for the job, answering questions regarding his integrity, past performance at NTSA, and vision for the PSC. If the House approves his nomination, President Ruto will formally gazette his appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Francis Meja?
Francis is the nominee for Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC). He is the former Director-General of the NTSA and currently serves as a Commissioner at the PSC. He also has extensive experience in the banking sector with Equity Bank and HFCK.
Who did Francis Meja replace as PSC Chair?
Francis has been nominated to replace Ambassador Anthony Muchiri, who left the PSC Chairperson role after being appointed as Kenya’s Ambassador to Turkey.
What is Francis Meja’s net worth?
According to wealth declarations made during his vetting for the PSC Commissioner post in January 2025, Francis Meja placed his net worth at approximately Ksh 322 million.
Is Francis Meja already the PSC Chairperson?
No. He has been nominated by President Ruto. He must undergo vetting and approval by the National Assembly before he is formally appointed and sworn in.
What does the Public Service Commission do?
The PSC is independent and responsible for establishing and abolishing offices in the public service, appointing persons to hold those offices, and exercising disciplinary control over public officers.
For further updates on the vetting schedule and parliamentary proceedings regarding the Francis Meja appointment, stay tuned to our politics section.
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