Commission Top Position Declared Vacant After Death of Roseline Odede; Here are Qualifications

The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) has advertised the position of Chairperson months after the death of former Chair Roseline Odede.

In a notice dated Wednesday, April 30, the Commission, through a selection panel, invited applications from qualified personnel.

“Pursuant to Article 5 of the Constitution as read with Section 11(4) of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act (CAP 71), the Selection Panel invites applications from qualified persons to be considered for nomination for appointment as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR),” read part of the notice.

According to the selection panel, the position of Chairperson entails the following requirements:

a) knowledge and at least fifteen (15) years of relevant experience in matters relating to law and human rights;

b) a degree from a university recognized in Kenya; and

c) the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Requirements for KNCHR Chairperson Position

Additionally, the selection panel highlighted circumstances under which an applicant can be disqualified. A person shall not be qualified for appointment as Chairperson if they:

1. are a member of Parliament or a County Assembly;
2. are a member of a local authority;
3. are an undischarged bankrupt; or
4. have been removed from office for contravening the provisions of the Constitution or any other law.

Furthermore, the notice stated that the Chairperson shall serve for a single term of six years and is not eligible for reappointment.

Also Read: KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede is dead

Moreover, the Commission directed applicants on how to go about their applications.

According to the Commission, applications should be accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, clear copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, a National Identity Card or Passport, as well as testimonials and other relevant supporting documents.

How to Apply

All applications should be clearly marked “Application for the position of Chairperson, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights” and submitted in any one of the following ways:

a) Hand delivered to the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Harambee House, 10th Floor, Room 1011, Monday to Friday (between 8:00 am and 5:00 p.m.);

b) Online applications may be emailed to: selectionpanelknchr2025@psyg.go.ke (Scanned copies of all the requisite documents in PDF format must accompany the online application); or

c) sent by ordinary or registered mail to :

The Chairperson,

Selection Panel for the Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment of

Chairperson, KNCHR,

P.O. Box 30050-00100,

NAIROBI.

Furthermore, the Commission issued additional instructions to the applicants, which include:

a) the names of all applicants, shortlisted candidates, and the interview schedule will be published in the Kenya Gazette, two daily newspapers, and the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes website: www.peyg.go.ke after the lapse of the application period;

b) shortlisted candidates will be required to submit copies of valid clearance certificates from the following institutions:

Also Read: KNCHR Releases New Report on Deaths in Anti-Govt Protests

i) Self-Declaration Form duly stamped by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

ii) Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

iii) Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

iv) Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).

v) Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Police Clearance); and

vi) Letter/certificate of good standing from relevant professional bodies and associations (where applicable).

c) Canvassing for this position will lead to automatic disqualification.

All applications must reach the selection panel on or before Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 5:00 pm. (East African Time). 5 at 5.00 pm.

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