Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has appointed a six-member selection panel to oversee the recruitment of a new Chairperson and seven Members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The move comes as the current commissioners near the end of their six-year non-renewable term, which is set to expire on November 17, 2025.
In a Gazette notice dated November 3, 2025, Murkomen confirmed the impending vacancies and outlined the procedure for establishing the panel.
“The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 17 of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission Act as read with the procedure set out under Paragraph 2 of the First Schedule to the Act, do hereby: Declare impending vacancies in the position of Chairperson and seven (7) Members of the Commission, with effect from November 17, 2025,” reads the gazette notice.
“Constitute a Selection Panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as Chairperson and Members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission; and
He named the members of the selection panel as Dr. Reuben Chirchir, Francis Meja, Pauline Mcharo, Col. (Rtd.) Alfred Mshimba, Michael Nzomo Mbithuka, and Lady Justice (Rtd.) Hannah Okwengu.
The panel will be tasked with managing the recruitment process, including reviewing applications, shortlisting qualified candidates, and submitting final recommendations for appointment.
Murkomen noted that the process will be conducted in accordance with Section 17 of the NCIC Act and the procedure outlined in the First Schedule of the law, which ensures transparency and merit-based selection.
The appointment of the panel marks a significant step toward ensuring continuity in the Commission’s leadership and reinforcing Kenya’s ongoing efforts to promote national cohesion, integration, and equal representation across all communities.
The NCIC, established under Section 15 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, is mandated to promote national unity, prevent discrimination, and foster peaceful coexistence among Kenya’s diverse communities.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is an independent government body established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008, following the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
Its main purpose is to promote national unity, prevent ethnic discrimination, and address hate speech in Kenya.
The Commission is made up of a chairperson, several commissioners appointed to reflect the diversity of Kenya, and a commission secretary or CEO who leads the day-to-day operations, supported by technical and administrative staff.
NCIC works to prevent and resolve ethnic and political conflicts by monitoring public speech, investigating and prosecuting hate speech, and facilitating peace dialogues.
It also conducts civic education to promote tolerance and advises the government on policies that foster peaceful coexistence.
