A Labour Court has suspended the implementation of the process towards the establishment of the office of Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the public service.
Employment and Labour Court Judge Monica Mbaru granted the order following an application by the Law Society of Kenya.
She directed the public service commission and the attorney general to be served with the application by LSK before 14 October.
The matter will be mentioned on October 24, for hearing directions.
LSK says the lack of clarity on the intended office of the CAS denies the public the opportunity to make comments on the possibility of the duplicity of roles between the Principal Secretary and the CAS.
LSK says any duplicity would lead to the wastage of public funds in wages and attendant expenses.
The ruling comes even as the public service commission has welcomed applications for the CAS position.
In a statement released on Wednesday, PSC chairman Anthony Muchiri said applicants have until October 27, 5pm to submit their documents.
"Women, minorities, the marginalized and persons living with disability are encouraged to apply," he said.
The applications must contain a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), copies of relevant academic and professional certificates and transcripts.
They should also be accompanied by the National ID or passport, testimonials and any other relevant documents.
Applicants must be cleared by KRA, HELB, EACC, DCI (certificate of good conduct) and a registered Credit Reference Bureau.
"Applicants must submit copies of these clearance certificates with the application," Muchiri said.
He added that the applications must be clearly marked "Application for the position of a Chief Administrative Secretary".
One can hand deliver their documents to the Commission House, off Harambee Avenue or post it to the Commission's address.
The person applying must be Kenyan citizen and hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.
They should be able to manage the administrative political interface, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to articulate public policies and programmes.
They are further expected to demonstrate the ability to undertake complex and high-pressure tasks that require engagement with multi-institutions and other public offices.
The applicants are supposed to have knowledge of national values and be able to demonstrate knowledge and application of good governance.
They must also meet the requirements of Chapter six of the Constitution.
It deals with leadership and integrity.
PSC said the names of all applicants will be published on the Commission's website.
"Names of the shortlisted candidates will be published in the print media," Muchiri added.