PSC Kenya Jobs October 2026: Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor and 851 Vacancies — Full List and How to Apply

PSC Kenya Jobs October 2026: Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor and 851 Vacancies — Full List and How to Apply.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has advertised 851 vacancies across public universities, national government ministries and state departments.

The list includes senior academic leadership posts — Vice Chancellor at Bomet University, two Deputy Vice Chancellor positions at Kenyatta University, and the Principal’s post at Makueni University College — alongside hundreds of promotional and entry-level positions in law, mining, petroleum, forestry, climate change and social development.

Applications close on 13th October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. East African Time, submitted only through the PSC’s official portals: www.publicservice.go.ke or www.psckjobs.go.ke.

At a Glance

University Leadership Positions

These four posts matter most to anyone in Kenya’s education sector, since they determine who runs three public institutions of higher learning.

Why the Bomet post is a re-advertisement: Bomet University was chartered in February 2026, becoming Kenya’s 36th public university and the first in Bomet County. PSC first advertised for its substantive Vice Chancellor around mid-2026; this notice re-opens that recruitment, meaning an earlier round did not produce an appointment or the process needs to restart.

Why Kenyatta University is recruiting two DVCs: KU has been without a substantive Vice Chancellor since the position became vacant following the retirement of Prof. Paul Wainaina, with Prof. John Okumu serving in an acting capacity since January 2026. The VC recruitment process was contested in court by a serving Deputy Vice Chancellor who was a candidate for the top job, which has kept the university’s senior leadership unsettled. Filling the two DVC posts substantively is part of stabilising that leadership structure, independent of how the VC matter is finally resolved.

Makueni University College’s transition: Makueni University College was gazetted in late 2025 as a constituent college of South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) and has been run by an acting principal since its establishment, with a governing council appointed in mid-2026 to oversee its progress toward full university status. This advertisement is PSC’s move to fill the Principal’s post on a substantive basis.

Minimum Requirements for Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal Posts

PSC does not publish identical qualification criteria for every advert, but under the Universities Act, 2012 (as amended) and standard practice across Kenyan public universities, candidates for these top academic leadership roles are generally expected to have:

• An earned Doctorate (PhD) from a university recognised by the Commission for University Education (CUE)
• Full Professor rank, typically held for a minimum period (commonly three years), for Vice Chancellor posts; Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal posts may accept Associate Professor rank depending on the specific advert
• At least ten years of hands-on experience in academic leadership, research and community outreach at a recognised university
• A demonstrable record of scholarly publication and successful supervision of Masters and PhD students
• Proven experience in strategic planning, financial management, human resource management and resource mobilisation
• Thorough knowledge of Kenya’s legislative and regulatory framework for university education
• Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity (clearance certificates from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, a Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and a credit reference bureau report)

Because the exact wording, added advantages and tenure terms differ by advert, download and read the specific vacancy announcement for Bomet University, Kenyatta University or Makueni University College on publicservice.go.ke before applying — do not rely solely on generic requirements. A Vice Chancellor’s term is typically five years, renewable once, as set out in each university’s charter and statutes.

Ministry and State Department Positions (Promotional)

These 779 positions are largely reserved for serving public officers seeking promotion, though some grades may be open to external applicants depending on the specific advert conditions stated for each post. The largest numbers are concentrated in the Office of the Attorney General (legal counsel roles) and Public Service and Human Capital Development (social development and HR roles).

The heavy weighting toward legal counsel grades (513 of the 779 promotional posts) signals a significant capacity-building push within the Office of the Attorney General, likely tied to the volume of litigation, legislative drafting and legal advisory work the office handles across government.

Entry-Level Positions

These 68 posts are aimed at fresh graduates and early-career professionals, concentrated in petroleum, mining and social development.

Graduates in geology, engineering, environmental science, economics, social work and laboratory sciences will find most of the entry-level openings relevant.

How to Apply

All PSC applications are submitted online only — there is no manual or walk-in option for this recruitment cycle.

1. Read the specific vacancy advert. Go to publicservice.go.ke, locate the vacancy number (V/No.) that matches your target post, and confirm the detailed requirements, duties and any added advantages before applying.
2. Register or log in to the portal. Visit www.psckjobs.go.ke. First-time applicants click “Register,” provide their National ID or passport number, full names, a valid email address and a password, then verify the account through the confirmation email.
3. Complete your online profile (PSC.2 form). Fill in personal details, academic qualifications (highest first), professional qualifications, employment history (most recent first), membership of professional bodies, and details of two referees. This profile is reusable for future applications.
4. Select the vacancy and apply. Log in, browse “Active Adverts,” locate the exact V/No. for your post, and click “Apply.” Quote the correct vacancy number — applying against the wrong reference is a common reason for automatic disqualification.
5. Attach scanned documents. Upload certified copies of your national ID, academic certificates, professional certificates and any documents the specific advert requires (for senior posts, this typically includes compliance certificates under Chapter Six of the Constitution).
6. Submit before the deadline. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. EAT on 13th October 2026. Submit well before the closing date, since the portal often slows down as the deadline approaches.
7. Keep your acknowledgement. A successful submission generates a folio or reference number on screen — save or print this for your records.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying anyone. PSC does not charge any fee for applications, shortlisting, interviews or appointment. Anyone requesting payment while claiming to represent the Commission is committing fraud.
• Applying against the wrong V/No. Each post has a unique vacancy number; using the wrong one can void your application.
• Submitting incomplete profiles. Missing academic or employment details often blocks final submission.
• Waiting until the last day. High traffic near the deadline can prevent submission from going through in time.
• Listing qualifications not yet obtained. Only include certificates and qualifications already awarded by the time the advert closes.

Read Also: Makueni University College Jobs 2026: 15 Vacancies and How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes, provided you meet the minimum requirements for each post and submit a separate application against each vacancy number.

Is a physical or manual application accepted for this advertisement?
No. This notice requires online applications only, through publicservice.go.ke or psckjobs.go.ke.

Are the promotional positions open to external candidates?
Promotional positions are generally intended for serving public officers who meet the stated grade and experience requirements. Check the specific advert for each post, as eligibility conditions can vary.

What happens after I submit my application?
PSC reviews applications against the stated requirements, shortlists candidates, and contacts only those selected for interview directly. Unsuccessful applicants are not usually notified individually.

Where can I verify this vacancy list is genuine?
Cross-check every vacancy number and requirement against the original notice on www.publicservice.go.ke before applying, and be alert to fraudulent websites or individuals impersonating PSC staff.

PSC Kenya Jobs October 2026: Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor and 851 Vacancies — Full List and How to Apply.

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