President William Ruto has nominated a new Chairperson and six Commissioners to the National Land Commission (NLC), forwarding their names to Parliament for vetting and approval.
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President William Ruto signs official documents as he nominates a new Chairperson and six members of the National Land Commission, with appointees standing proudly behind him.
The nominations were announced on Tuesday, February 17, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal that cleared the way for the recruitment and appointment process to proceed.
Court Clears Legal Hurdles
The Court of Appeal authorised the recruitment and nomination of a third cohort of commissioners strictly to fill the vacant positions of Chairperson and six members.
The appointments will proceed pending the final determination of appeals filed by previous applicants.
The ruling also clarified that the tenure of the two serving commissioners, Esther Murugi Mathenge and Tiyah Galgalo Ali — whose terms expire on December 20 — remains unaffected.
Dr Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy Nominated as Chairperson
The Head of State nominated Dr Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy as the new Chairperson of the NLC. He is set to replace outgoing Chairperson Gershom Otachi.
The six nominees for commissioner positions are:
- Susan Khakasa Oyatsi – Financial expert
- Daniel Murithi Muriungi
- Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot – Former Chairperson of the National Employment Authority
- Dr Julie Ouma Oseko – Advocate and senior legal consultant
- Mohamed Abdi Haji Mohamed – Former Banisa MP
- Mary Yiane Seneta – Former Kajiado Women Representative
Notably, Seneta had previously been shortlisted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2025 for appointment to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), but did not make the final shortlist.
Parliamentary Vetting Next
In compliance with constitutional requirements, the President has transmitted the nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
Upon successful vetting, the nominees will be formally appointed to serve on the commission.
“His Excellency the President has caused nominations for appointment to the ranks of the membership of the National Land Commission (NLC)… In full fulfilment of the constitutional requirements regarding State appointments, his Excellency the President has transmitted the nominations to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament,” part of the statement read.
Role of the National Land Commission
The National Land Commission is the constitutional body mandated to:
- Manage public land on behalf of national and county governments
- Investigate historical land injustices
- Recommend national land policy
- Monitor land use planning across the country
The reconstitution of the commission is expected to strengthen land governance, improve transparency in public land management, and address long-standing land disputes in Kenya.
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