Career advice ยท Updated November 2026
PSC Recruitment Timelines: How Long After the Interview to Expect a Reply
You applied, sat the interview, and now you are refreshing your email every hour. How long should you really wait? The Public Service Commission’s (PSC) own service charter gives an answer. For PSC recruitment timelines, the Commission commits to completing entry-level recruitment within 90 days after the advert closes. Promotional appointments are 75 days, internships 60 days, and recruitment for constitutional commissions, independent offices, Principal Secretaries and public universities 45 days. This guide explains what those numbers mean, what happens between the interview and an appointment letter, and what to do if the deadline passes.
Checked on 8 November 2026 against the PSC Citizen Service Charter 2025. These timelines are the Commission’s service standards for its own recruitment. Ministries, counties and other employers follow their own processes. Each advert’s instructions take priority.
PSC recruitment timelines in the charter
| Type of recruitment | What the applicant does | Committed timeline | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | Apply as per the advert and attend the interview as scheduled | Within 90 days after the advert closes | Free |
| Promotional appointments | Apply, attend the interview, present the documents required by the advert | Within 75 days after the advert closes | Free |
| Constitutional commissions, independent offices, Principal Secretaries, public universities | Apply, attend the interview, present the documents required | Within 45 days after the advert closes | Free |
| Interns | Apply as prescribed, attend the interview, present the documents | Within 60 days after the advert closes | Free |
Notice that the clock starts when the advert closes, not on your interview date. If an entry-level advert closed on 1 March, the charter target for finishing that recruitment is about the end of May. If your interview was in late April, the decision would be expected within weeks, not months.
How to work out your own waiting time
- Find the advert and note its closing date and its type: entry level, promotional, internship or senior.
- Add the matching number of days from the table above.
- Compare that target date with today. Until the target date passes, waiting is normal.
- If the date has passed and you have heard nothing, follow up politely. See below.
Worked examples of PSC recruitment timelines
Entry-level post. Wanjiru applied for an entry-level clerical post. The advert closed on 10 June. Adding 90 days gives a charter target of about 8 September. She was interviewed in mid-August, so she should not panic in late August. If 8 September passes with no news, a polite letter quoting the advert reference is reasonable.
Promotional post. Otieno, already in service, applied for a promotional post through an advert that closed on 1 July. The 75-day target falls around 14 September. Because promotional appointments also require the documents named in the advert, he keeps certified copies ready in case the Commission asks.
Internship. Achieng applied for a public service internship through an advert that closed on 20 May. The 60-day target is around 19 July. She checks her email and the official website weekly, and keeps applying to private-sector graduate programmes meanwhile.
These examples are illustrations of how to count the days. They are not real cases or guarantees of a particular outcome.
What happens between interview and appointment
After interviews, the panel scores candidates and the Commission makes its decisions. Successful candidates are then typically informed and asked to complete documentation. Adverts usually list the documents and clearances you must present, so get them ready early. Many government adverts ask for clearances from bodies such as KRA, HELB, EACC, a credit reference bureau and the DCI. Read your advert’s exact list so that you are not the reason for any delay. Keep your phone on and check the email you used to apply, including the spam folder.
What to do if the PSC timeline has passed
- Check official channels first. Look for shortlists and results on the PSC’s official website, publicservice.go.ke. Never rely on WhatsApp forwards.
- Write politely. The charter commits the Commission to answering written letters within 5 working days, and email and social media enquiries within 1 working day. Quote the advert reference number, the post, your name and your ID number.
- Complain if needed. The charter says public complaints get a response within 1 working day, and complaints against the Commission are resolved within 14 working days.
- Keep applying. Never pause your search for one interview.
Warning: PSC recruitment is free
Every recruitment service in the charter is listed as free. Anyone asking you to pay to “speed up” your appointment, guarantee a slot or buy an interview is not acting for the Commission. Report such approaches to the Commission or to the EACC. Do not send money or share your login details.
Exams and other timelines job seekers ask about
The charter also covers PSC examinations. For example, the administrative officers’ examination costs a basic fee of KSh 3,500 plus KSh 875 per paper, paid through eCitizen. Exam results are released within 60 days of sitting, and certificates are issued within 60 days of the results. These apply only to candidates in those specific examinations.
Tips while you wait
- Keep copies of the advert, your application confirmation and the interview invitation.
- Write down the panel’s questions and your answers. They help in the next interview.
- Update your CV and keep your clearance certificates valid.
- Check other public service adverts that fit your qualifications.
- Stay professional on social media. Employers do look.
If you are not selected
Not being picked does not end your public service hopes. Review the advert’s requirements against your papers, close any gaps (missing certificates, expired clearances) and apply again. If you believe the process was unfair, you can raise a complaint through the Commission’s complaint channels, quoting the advert reference number.
For the complete application process, read how to apply for government jobs in Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
How long does PSC take after an interview?
The PSC Citizen Service Charter 2025 commits to entry-level recruitment within 90 days after the advert closes, promotions within 75 days and interns within 60 days.
Does the PSC charge a fee for recruitment?
No. The charter lists recruitment services as free. Do not pay anyone to speed up an appointment.
Who should I contact if the timeline passes?
Write to the Commission quoting the advert reference. The charter commits to responding to letters within 5 working days and emails within 1 working day.
Do these timelines apply to county jobs?
No. The charter timelines cover the Commission's own recruitment. County public service boards and other employers follow their own processes.