President Ruto Appoints Former NTSA Boss Francis Meja as PSC Chair
President William Ruto has nominated former National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director-General Francis Meja for appointment as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), a key constitutional body that oversees recruitment, discipline, and human resource management across the public service.
The nomination was announced on Wednesday by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who said the appointment was made in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements governing state offices. The nomination has since been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.
“His Excellency the President has today nominated Mr Francis Meja for appointment as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission,” the statement read in part.
Meja is currently serving as a member of the PSC, a position he assumed in January 2025. If approved by Parliament, his elevation would place him at the helm of one of Kenya’s most influential independent commissions, which plays a central role in shaping the structure, standards, and professionalism of the public service.
The nomination follows the exit of Ambassador Anthony Muchiri, who served as PSC chairperson until late 2025. Muchiri left the role after completing his term and was later appointed Kenya’s ambassador to Turkey, creating a vacancy at the leadership of the commission. During his tenure, Muchiri presided over several public service reforms and guided the commission through key policy and administrative transitions.
Meja brings to the role an extensive background in public administration and institutional leadership. He previously served as the founding Director-General of the NTSA, where he oversaw the establishment of the authority and the implementation of wide-ranging transport safety reforms. His earlier public service experience also includes a stint as Registrar of Motor Vehicles at the Ministry of Transport.
Beyond transport regulation, Meja has served as a council member at Murang’a University of Technology, a role that exposed him to governance and oversight responsibilities within the higher education sector. In addition to his government service, he has more than 15 years of experience in banking and financial services, having held senior management positions in the private sector.
Academically, Meja holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi, qualifications that the Executive says position him well for the demands of leading the PSC.
However, Meja’s public service record has not been without scrutiny. During his tenure at NTSA, the authority faced criticism and legal challenges over the rollout of new driver training and testing reforms. At one point, the programme became the subject of court proceedings, with NTSA accused of implementing certain measures despite a court order suspending them. The disputes sparked debate on regulatory overreach and stakeholder engagement in policy implementation.
The National Assembly is now expected to refer Meja’s nomination to the relevant departmental committee for vetting, in line with the Constitution and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act. The committee will conduct a public vetting process to assess his academic qualifications, professional experience, integrity, and overall suitability for the position.
Following the vetting, the committee will table its report before the House, recommending either approval or rejection. Members of Parliament will debate the report and vote, after which the decision will be formally communicated to the President for appointment or further action.
If approved, Meja will assume leadership of the PSC at a time when the commission is under pressure to strengthen merit-based recruitment, improve efficiency in public service delivery, and safeguard independence amid ongoing governance reforms.
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President Ruto Appoints Former NTSA Boss Francis Meja as PSC Chair
