The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has moved swiftly to dismiss claims suggesting it has been disbanded, calling the reports false and misleading.
Chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia emphasized that the commission remains fully operational, continuing its work to promote peace, unity, and harmonious relations among Kenya’s diverse communities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Dr. Kobia assured Kenyans that the commission is steadfast in fulfilling its mandate.
“The NCIC was established to promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony, and peaceful coexistence among Kenya's diverse ethnic and racial communities, and to advise the Government on related matters,” he said.
The clarification comes after media reports, particularly by Nation Media, suggested that the commission had been prematurely dissolved. Kobia rejected these claims, noting that the current team will serve its full term until November 17, 2025.
“In accordance with Section 19 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008, the Chairperson and seven Members of the Commission serve a single, non-renewable term of six years,” he explained. “The current Commission assumed office on 19th November 2019 and will conclude its term on 17th November 2025, as correctly stated by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen.”
The Constitution and the NCIC Act clearly define the tenure of the chairperson and members, aligning with similar provisions for independent commissions in Kenya, including Article 250 of the Constitution.
As the commission approaches the end of its term, Kobia said the team is focused on completing its work with integrity. NCIC is preparing a detailed handover report for President William Ruto to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
“The Commission is actively preparing a comprehensive handover report to H.E. Dr. William Samoei Arap Ruto, EGH, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, as our appointing authority, and in line with its commitment to accountability and good governance,” the statement read.
With just weeks remaining in office, NCIC continues to monitor national cohesion, address instances of hate speech, and foster dialogue across political and ethnic divides, duties that have gained urgency as the country nears another election period.
Established after the 2007–2008 post-election violence, the NCIC operates from Britam Tower in Upper Hill, Nairobi. Its creation aimed to safeguard Kenya’s unity, promote inclusion, and prevent a repeat of past conflicts, ensuring that peace remains a national priority.
