Career advice · Updated November 2026
PSC Disciplinary Appeal: Deadlines and Steps for Kenyan Civil Servants
If you are a civil servant facing a disciplinary case, or a decision has already gone against you, the most useful thing to know is the timeline. Under the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) own service charter, a PSC disciplinary appeal must be filed within 90 days of the decision you are challenging. The Commission commits to deciding the appeal within 60 days of receiving the appeal and all relevant documents. After the appeal decision, you have six months to ask for a review. This guide sets out each stage, the times the PSC commits to, appeals from counties, state corporations and universities, and how to prepare a strong file.
Checked on 8 November 2026 against the PSC Citizen Service Charter 2025. The charter lists service standards. It does not replace the Constitution, the Public Service Commission Act or the regulations, and it is not legal advice. For a serious case, speak to your union representative or an advocate.
Where the PSC fits in discipline
Under Article 234 of the Constitution, the PSC exercises disciplinary control over people holding offices in the public service, and it hears appeals from county governments’ public service. The Public Service Commission Act and its regulations provide for appeals by other public officers. In practice, a case usually starts in your ministry, department or agency (MDA). Some matters reach the Commission directly as a “discipline case”. If you are unhappy with a decision, you can bring an appeal. The charter treats these as three separate services, each with its own timeline.
PSC disciplinary appeal timelines at a glance
| Service in the charter | What you must do | PSC’s committed timeline | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Determination of a discipline case | Submit the discipline case | Within 60 days of the Commission receiving the case | Free |
| Determination of an appeal | Submit the appeal within 90 days of the decision | Within 60 days of receiving the appeal and relevant documents | Free |
| Review of a discipline case | Apply for review within 6 months of the appeal decision | Within 60 days of receiving the application and documents | Free |
| Appeals from county government public service | File in the prescribed format with all relevant documents | 3½ months (105 days) from receipt | Free |
| Appeals from state corporations and public universities | Respond to clarifications, give proof of service, attend hearing if called, file submissions on time | 3½ months (105 days) from receipt | Free |
| Review applications in county appeals | Submit the application for review | 3½ months (105 days) from receipt | Free |
Two points stand out. First, every one of these services is listed as free. Nobody should ask you for money to “push” your appeal at the Commission. Second, the 60-day clock for an appeal starts when the appeal and its relevant documents reach the Commission. An incomplete file can delay the decision.
Step 1: Understand the decision you are appealing
Get the written decision: the letter of dismissal, the interdiction or suspension letter, a demotion, a stoppage of salary, or another penalty. Note the date on it, because your 90 days count from the date of the decision. Put that deadline in your phone calendar straight away. If you only received the decision late, keep proof of when it reached you, such as the envelope, email or delivery book.
Step 2: Gather your appeal documents
A PSC disciplinary appeal is decided mostly on paper, so the file matters. Collect:
- the show-cause letter and your reply;
- any investigation report or charge sheet you were given;
- minutes or notes of any disciplinary hearing you attended;
- the final decision letter;
- your appointment letter, latest promotion letter and payslips;
- evidence supporting your side: emails, attendance records, medical notes, witness statements;
- copies of any earlier appeal or review inside your MDA.
Number the pages and keep a full copy for yourself.
Step 3: Write clear grounds of appeal
Grounds of appeal explain why the decision was wrong. Typical grounds include not being given a fair chance to respond, the penalty being out of proportion to the offence, the facts not supporting the finding, or procedures in the regulations or your human resource manual not being followed. Keep each ground short and point to the document that proves it. Avoid insults or long stories. The Commission needs facts and documents.
Step 4: Submit on time and follow up
Submit within 90 days of the decision, in the format the PSC prescribes, and keep proof of submission. The charter also commits the Commission to acknowledging correspondence: 5 working days for letters, and 1 working day for email and social media enquiries. If the Commission asks for clarification or submissions, reply within the time stated in its letter. Missing that deadline can harm your case.
Step 5: If you lose, consider a review
If the appeal decision goes against you, the charter allows an application for review within six months of the appeal decision. The Commission commits to deciding it within 60 days of receiving the application and documents. A review is not a second appeal. It is strongest when you have new and important evidence, or can show a clear error in the decision.
County, state corporation and university staff
If you work for a county government, a state corporation or a public university, the charter lists separate appeal services with a 105-day (3½ months) timeline from receipt. For state corporation and university appeals, you must provide proof of service, attend the hearing if called, and file submissions within the timeline set in the Commission’s letter.
Complaints and delays
If your appeal is not handled within the committed time, the charter lets you complain to the Commission, verbally or in writing. It commits to responding to public complaints within 1 working day and resolving complaints against the Commission within 14 working days. A written complaint against a public officer is resolved within four months of receipt. Keep your tone professional and quote your reference number.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for “the boss to calm down” and missing the 90-day window.
- Sending the appeal without the decision letter or hearing record.
- Paying an intermediary. Charter services are free.
- Ignoring requests for clarification or submissions.
- Posting about your case on social media while it is ongoing.
If you are applying for government jobs while a case is ongoing, read how to apply for government jobs in Kenya so that your new applications are complete.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a PSC disciplinary appeal?
The PSC Citizen Service Charter 2025 says appeals should be submitted within 90 days from the date of the decision.
How long does the PSC take to decide an appeal?
The charter commits to deciding within 60 days from when the appeal and relevant documents are received. County, state corporation and university appeals are listed at 105 days.
Is there a fee to appeal to the PSC?
No. The charter lists discipline cases, appeals and reviews as free services.
Can I ask the PSC to review an appeal decision?
Yes. The charter allows an application for review within six months of the appeal decision, determined within 60 days of receipt.