President William Ruto has nominated a new Chairperson and six members to the National Land Commission (NLC), following a Court of Appeal ruling authorizing the appointments.
The nominations, transmitted to Parliament for consideration and approval, are intended to fill vacant positions while safeguarding the tenure of the two serving Commissioners whose terms expire in December 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Executive Office of the President confirmed that the appointments were made in accordance with the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Civil Application No. E662 of 2025, consolidated with Applications No. E663, E680, and E682 of 2025.
The court authorized the recruitment and nomination of the third cohort of Commissioners strictly to fill the vacant positions of the Chairperson and six Commissioners, pending the final determination of appeals filed by other applicants.
“The tenure of the two serving Commissioners, Hon. Esther Murugi Mathenge and Hon. Tiyah Galgalo Ali, whose terms expire on 20th December 2026, remains protected and unaffected,” the statement read, ensuring continuity in the Commission’s work.
The nominations follow recommendations from a Selection Panel appointed through Kenya Gazette Notice No. 11212 of 2025.
Upon Parliament’s approval, the NLC will be constituted with Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy (Kwale) as Chairperson, while the six nominated members include Susan Khakasa Oyatsi (Kakamega), Daniel Murithi Muriungi (Meru), Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot (Kericho),Julie Ouma Oseko (Siaya), Mohamed Abdi Haji Mohamed (Mandera), and Mary Yiane Seneta (Kajiado). The serving members, Esther Murugi Mathenge and Tiyah Galgalo Ali, represent Nyeri and Isiolo counties.
The statement emphasized that these nominations are in “full fulfilment of the constitutional requirements regarding State appointments,” highlighting the importance of Parliament’s role in confirming the nominees.
“In compliance with the decision of the Appellate Court, it is therefore notified that the Head of State and Government has nominated the Chairperson and six members of the National Land Commission,” the statement added.
Felix K. Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, signed off the notification, underscoring that the nominations give effect to the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on 13th February 2026.
Once approved, the new appointments are expected to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to manage land administration and uphold national land policy objectives.
The move marks a significant step in fully constituting the National Land Commission in line with judicial and constitutional mandates, ensuring that Kenya’s land governance framework remains robust and accountable.
