How to Apply for Government Jobs in Kenya (2026): PSC, County and Parastatal Jobs

To apply for a government job in Kenya, find the official advert, check you meet every listed requirement, and apply through the exact channel stated, usually an online portal such as the Public Service Commission's, with your CV, certificates and ID. If you are shortlisted, you will usually need clearance certificates from KRA, HELB, a CRB, the DCI and the EACC.

Public sector jobs follow stricter rules than private ones. Here is how to get through each stage.

Who hires in the public sector

• Public Service Commission (PSC) – recruits for national government ministries and state departments. Official site: publicservice.go.ke.
• County Public Service Boards – each of the 47 counties recruits its own staff and advertises on the county website and in newspapers.
• State corporations and parastatals – recruit directly through their own websites and careers portals.
• Teachers Service Commission (TSC) – recruits teachers.
• Constitutional commissions and independent offices – recruit directly.

You can also find public sector roles on the KaziMatch jobs board, with links back to the original advert.

Step 1: Find official adverts

Real government adverts appear on the hiring body's official website (usually ending in .go.ke), in the MyGov pullout or major newspapers, and on trusted job boards that link to the original.

Be careful. Fake "government recruitment" adverts asking for fees are common. Public bodies do not charge application fees through M-Pesa to private numbers. Read our guide to job scams in Kenya.

Step 2: Read the advert carefully

Government adverts are detailed. Read every line and note:

• Job title and grade (for example "Accountant II, Job Group J" or a CSG grade)
• Reference number
• Minimum requirements: degree, years of experience, registration with a professional body, short courses (such as a computer course or a Senior Management Course)
• Duties and responsibilities
• How to apply: portal, email or hand delivery
• Documents required
• Deadline, often with an exact time

If you do not meet a mandatory requirement, your application will likely be screened out. Use the advert to check yourself honestly first. A free fit check on KaziMatch can help you compare your profile with the requirements.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Typical documents requested at application:

• Application letter quoting the reference number (sample here)
• Detailed CV
• Copies of academic and professional certificates
• National ID card
• Testimonials or letters of recommendation
• Professional registration certificate and current practising licence, where required

Scan documents clearly as PDFs. Name each file plainly, for example KCSE-Certificate.pdf.

Step 4: Apply through the PSC portal (national government)

The PSC runs an online recruitment system linked from publicservice.go.ke. The process is generally:

1. Create an account using your ID number and email.
2. Complete your profile: personal details, education, professional qualifications, work experience and referees.
3. Upload copies of certificates where asked.
4. Search for the advertised post and apply before the deadline.
5. Download or note your application confirmation.

The exact screens change from time to time, so follow the instructions on the portal and in the advert. Some posts still ask for a specific application form; download it only from the official site.

Tip: complete your profile well before the deadline. Portals slow down near closing dates.

Step 5: County and parastatal applications

Counties and state corporations each use their own process. Some have online portals, some ask for email applications, and some still accept hand-delivered envelopes. Follow the advert exactly:

• Use the exact email subject line requested.
• Merge documents into one PDF if asked.
• Write the reference number on the envelope for hand delivery.
• Do not send applications to personal emails or WhatsApp numbers.

Step 6: Shortlisting and interviews

Many public bodies publish shortlists on their websites with interview dates and venues. Check regularly. Bring original certificates and ID to the interview. Prepare with our interview questions and answers guide.

Step 7: Clearance documents

Before appointment, especially for senior roles, you will usually be asked for clearances that show you meet the integrity requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution:

Some adverts ask you to attach these with the application. Others ask only at shortlist stage. Our Chapter Six clearance checklist explains each one. Start early: some take a few days.

Common reasons applications fail

• Missing a mandatory requirement (years of experience, registration)
• Missing documents
• Wrong or missing reference number
• Applying after the deadline
• Applying through the wrong channel
• Expired professional licence

Final tip

Government jobs reward precision. Treat the advert like a checklist and tick every item before you submit. When you are ready, browse public sector openings on the KaziMatch jobs board.