Four officials have officially taken up new responsibilities at three of Kenya’s key constitutional institutions after being sworn into office on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Duncan Ojwang assumed the chairmanship of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), while Flora Nduku Mutua became a member of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Antonina Lentoijoni and Wilson Sossion also took their oaths after being appointed to serve on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the swearing-in ceremony and called on the new office holders to put public service, integrity and respect for the Constitution at the heart of their work.
The appointments give the three institutions new officials at a time when they continue to handle major responsibilities touching on policing, government workers and the country’s teaching workforce.
Koome told the newly appointed officials that taking up public office comes with an obligation to protect the confidence that citizens place in state institutions.
She urged them to carry out their duties fairly and faithfully while ensuring that their actions remain guided by the Constitution.
“I want to remind you that the measure of public office is not the authority it confers, but the difference that it makes in the lives of people,” Koome said.
The Chief Justice said public positions should not be treated simply as positions of power, but as opportunities to serve and improve the lives of citizens.
She further challenged the officials to approach their assignments with humility and courage while remaining committed to the law.
“I therefore urge you to carry this responsibility with humility, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution,” she added.
Ojwang now takes charge of IPOA, the body established to provide civilian oversight of the National Police Service and investigate complaints and incidents involving police officers.
His appointment places him at the helm of an institution whose work has remained important amid continued concerns over police conduct, accountability and the use of force.
IPOA has also handled complaints linked to deaths and injuries during demonstrations as well as allegations of unlawful conduct by security officers.
As chairperson, Ojwang will provide leadership to the authority as it carries out its responsibility of independently examining police conduct and following up complaints made against officers.
Mutua has also formally started her tenure at the Public Service Commission after taking the oath as a commissioner.
The PSC oversees important areas of Kenya’s public service, including the appointment, promotion and discipline of public officers.
The commission is also responsible for ensuring that public service is managed in accordance with constitutional principles.
Her appointment comes as the commission continues to address matters relating to efficiency, accountability and professionalism within government institutions.
The Teachers Service Commission has welcomed Lentoijoni and Sossion as new members following their swearing-in.
TSC is responsible for registering teachers, recruiting and employing them, deploying teachers to public institutions and handling disciplinary matters, among other duties.
Sossion is well known in the education sector following his previous role as Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
His appointment gives the commission the benefit of his experience in teachers’ union affairs and the wider education sector.
Lentoijoni joins the commission as it continues to deal with challenges affecting teachers, including staffing levels, workload and professional development.
The commission is also involved in implementing agreements reached between teachers and the government as it manages the country’s teaching workforce.