For decades, the silent rule of Kenyan politics and public service was simple: You need a godfather. If you wanted a senior role at State House—or even a gardener’s uniform—you needed a politician’s blessing, a village elder’s whisper, or an envelope passed under a table.
But here is the truth that the 2010 Constitution and recent digital reforms have made possible: You can work at State House without knowing a single politician.
This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s a matter of understanding the three distinct routes into the Executive Office of the President and playing by the new, verifiable rules.
The Myth of the “Godfather”
Let’s be honest. Kenya’s “godfather” system—cronyism, to use the proper term—has robbed many qualified Kenyans of opportunities. Historically, even cleaning jobs at State House were rumored to require a letter from an MCA.
But the ground has shifted. Why? Two reasons:
- The Constitution Chapter Six (Leadership & Integrity) makes it illegal to appoint unqualified people.
- The Digital Revolution (e-procurement and online recruitment) leaves a trail. Canvassing now leads to automatic disqualification, not a job offer.
So, if you have no political family, no wealthy uncle, and no “blesser,” here is exactly how you enter State House.
Route 1: The High-Level Expert (The PhD Route)
Target Roles: Economic Advisor, Legal Policy Expert, and Strategy Consultant.
The Reality: State House runs on policy. The president needs experts to implement the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). They do not find these people in smoky boardrooms anymore.
The Legal Opening: The government publicly advertises for “Expressions of Interest” (EOIs) for databases of experts. These are posted on the Public Procurement Portal (tenders.go.ke) and the MyGov website.
The Requirements (No flexibility):
- Master’s degree minimum (PhD gives you a massive edge).
- 10+ years of experience in economics, law, or policy.
- Proof of research publications or policy papers.
No godfather needed: The Public Service Commission (PSC) vets these applicants. If you lack the degree or the years, no phone call from a politician can save you. If you have the credentials, no politician can stop you.
Route 2: The Principal Secretary (The Technocrat Route)
Target Roles: PS, Chief of Staff, Director.
The Shock: Even the powerful role of principal secretary—an office that sits at State House—is constitutionally protected from godfathers.
How it works legally:
The president cannot just pick his friend. By law, he must receive a shortlist from the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC is an independent body that screens for:
- A university degree.
- At least 10 years of experience (5 in senior management).
- Clean records from EACC, KRA, HELB, CRB, and DCI.
Action Step: You do not lobby the president. You monitor the PSC website (publicservice.go.ke) for vacancy announcements. You apply with your CV and clearance certificates. If you are the best, the law forces your name onto the shortlist.
Route 3: The Entry-Level & Support Role (The Digital Route)
Target Roles: Security (police), clerical staff, secretaries, gardeners, and sanitary workers.
This is where the old “godfather” system thrived. But now, even the Ministry of Defence and State House Comptroller have moved to online recruitment.
The New Rule: “Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.” This phrase now appears in every public service job advert.
The Proof:
- The National Police Service recruitment is now online specifically to stop “replacement of successful candidates with politically connected individuals.”
- State House support roles (gardeners, sanitary workers) are advertised based on KCSE grades (e.g., D+ for gardeners) and computer certificates, not letters of introduction.
Action Step: Stop asking for introduction letters. Start checking the official recruitment portal for the Public Service Commission. Apply digitally. Do not visit an MP’s office.
The “Godfather” is Dying. Long live merit.
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said it best recently: “Getting a job in the public service should not depend on who you know, but what you know… We are sealing loopholes.”
Is the system perfect? No. Corruption still exists. But for the first time in Kenyan history, you have legal weapons to bypass the godfather.
Your 3-Step Action Plan (No Godfather Required)
Step 1: Get your clearances NOW.
You cannot enter State House without the “Big Six”: EACC, KRA, HELB, CRB, DCI, and an Academic validation certificate. Politicians cannot waive these. Have them ready.
Step 2: Bookmark the right websites.
publicservice.go.ke(PSC vacancies)tenders.go.ke(Expert consultant EOIs)mygov.go.ke(General public notices)
Step 3: Over-qualify yourself.
If you want a senior role, get a Master’s degree. If you want a support role, get a computer certificate. In the absence of a godfather, your papers become your power.
Final Verdict
You cannot become the president or a cabinet secretary without political backing. That is simply the nature of elective politics.
But you can become an advisor, a principal secretary, a security officer, or a support staff member at State House. You just have to stop looking for a godfather and start looking at the Public Service Commission.
The law is your godfather now. Use it.
READ MORE:
How To Join the KDF Without A Godfather And the Salary You Should Expect
How To Join NIS With a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree: Recruitment and Salary
