The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) on Tuesday, June 16 announced the appointment of Ms. Naisiae Paloshe Tobiko as the Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary of the Commission.

Tobiko’s appointment follows the successful conclusion of a rigorous, transparent, competitive, and merit-based recruitment process conducted in strict compliance with Article 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, and the applicable Public Service Commission guidelines on recruitment and selection.

The recruitment exercise attracted a total of forty (40) applications from highly qualified professionals drawn from diverse sectors. Following a comprehensive evaluation of qualifications, competencies, experience, and suitability against the statutory requirements of the position, ten (10) candidates were shortlisted and invited for interviews.

The shortlisted candidates underwent a thorough assessment by an interview panel, which evaluated their leadership capabilities, strategic vision, professional competence, integrity, and capacity to provide effective stewardship of the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory mandate.

Throughout the process, the Commission upheld the principles of fairness, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, equal opportunity, and competitiveness, thereby safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the exercise.

Upon conclusion of the interviews and subsequent deliberations, the Commission identified Ms. Naisiae Paloshe Tobiko as the most suitable candidate for appointment to the position.

Who is Naisiae Paloshe Tobiko?

Ms. Naisiae Paloshe Tobiko is a seasoned governance, electoral management, and public administration professional with over fifteen (15) years of progressive leadership experience in public service.

Prior to her appointment as Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary of the Commission on Administrative Justice, she served as a County Elections Manager at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), where she provided strategic leadership and oversight of electoral operations, institutional planning, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and governance processes.

She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, with electives in Psychology and Community Development from Daystar University.

She has also undertaken specialized professional training in strategic leadership development, democratic elections management, public relations, and public administration.

Throughout her distinguished career at the IEBC, Ms. Tobiko has held several senior leadership positions, including Manager, Commission Services; Manager, Field Services; Office Executive to the Chairperson/Personal Assistant to the Chairperson; and Constituency Elections Coordinator. In these roles, she has provided strategic and operational leadership, coordinated national electoral processes, managed high-level stakeholder engagements, strengthened institutional governance systems, and supported the implementation of key organizational priorities.

This appointment marks a significant milestone in strengthening the institutional leadership and governance of the Commission. As the Accounting Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Ms. Tobiko will provide strategic and transformative leadership in the implementation of the Commission’s programmes and policies, enhance operational efficiency and institutional effectiveness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support the realization of the Commission’s strategic objectives.

She will also play a pivotal role in advancing the Commission’s core mandate of promoting administrative justice, addressing maladministration in public service, facilitating access to information, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in public institutions, and safeguarding the rights of citizens in their interactions with public bodies.

“The Commission extends its sincere appreciation to all applicants who expressed interest in serving the institution and commends the shortlisted candidates for their participation in the recruitment process,” Charles Dulo, the Commission’s Chairperson, said in a statement. “The high calibre of applications received reflects the confidence that professionals continue to place in the Commission and underscores the importance of its mandate in promoting good governance, constitutionalism, accountability, and responsive public administration.”

Dulo added: “The Commission congratulates Ms. Naisiae Paloshe Tobiko on her appointment and looks forward to the leadership, innovation, and expertise she will bring in advancing the Commission’s vision and mandate in service to the people of Kenya.”