Chapter 13

The Public Service

Articles 232–237

Civil service values

In the classroom: The public service must be efficient, ethical, and representative; appointments are on merit; there are values and codes of conduct for public officers.

Article 232 — Values and principles of public service

High standards of professional ethics; responsiveness; participation of the people; accountability.

Article 234 — Public Service Commission

Establishes framework for recruitment and discipline in public service.

Article 235 — County public service

County governments establish their public services within law.

Multiple choice — 10 questions

Think of your answer, then open Correct answer & explanation for each question.

1. Chapter Thirteen covers:

A) The public service B) Judiciary only C) Land only D) Elections only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Chapter Thirteen is titled The Public Service.

2. Public service values in Article 232 include:

A) High standards of professional ethics and accountability B) Nepotism only C) Secrecy only D) No merit

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 232 lists values and principles of the public service.

3. The Public Service Commission is established under:

A) Article 234 B) Article 94 C) Article 1 D) Chapter Two

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 234 establishes the Public Service Commission.

4. County governments may establish:

A) Their own public services (Article 235) B) No employees C) Only national staff D) Foreign armies

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 235 allows county public services.

5. Teachers’ employer functions may involve:

A) Teachers Service Commission (Article 237) B) Only parents C) Only MPs D) County weddings

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 237 establishes the Teachers Service Commission.

6. Police and national security services are addressed in:

A) Chapter Fourteen (National Security) B) Chapter Thirteen only C) Chapter One D) Bill of Rights only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — National Police Service is in Chapter Fourteen; public service values still apply broadly.

7. Appointments to the public service should reflect:

A) Regional and ethnic diversity (Article 232(1)(h)) B) Only one community C) No standards D) Random choice

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 232(1)(h) includes representation of Kenya’s diverse communities.

8. If a public officer is corrupt, the Constitution expects:

A) Accountability and lawful removal B) Immunity always C) No oversight D) County approval only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Chapter Six and public service law require integrity and accountability.

9. Article 236 concerns:

A) Protection of public officers from victimisation for lawful acts B) Tax rates C) Elections D) Land

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 236 protects public officers from victimisation for lawful acts.

10. Retirement age for public officers may be set by:

A) Legislation (Article 230 and related laws) B) The President alone always C) Counties only D) No law

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Legislation sets retirement and terms for various public officers.

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