Kenya’s National Land Commission (NLC) has appointed and sworn in seven new commissioners, expanding the body to nine members.
The new appointees will work alongside existing commissioners to strengthen land governance, enhance transparency, and manage public land. NLC emphasises public participation, resolving historical land disputes, and upholding integrity in delivering its constitutional mandate across the country.
The new appointments made on Monday are intended to advance the NLC’s constitutional mandate in land governance, management, and administration, with a focus on enhancing transparency, accountability, and equitable service delivery.
The newly appointed commissioners join two existing members, Esther Mathenge Murugi and Hon. Tiyah Galgalo, who have been serving on the Commission.
The new appointees include Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy as Chairperson, Susan Oyatsi, Daniel Murithi Muriungi, Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot, Julie Ouma Oseko, Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, and Mary Yiane Seneta.
This marks the third Commission since the NLC began operations in 2013. The appointment of the new commissioners is seen as a critical step towards strengthening land governance systems, reviewing grants and dispositions of public land, and improving oversight across national and county levels.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Chairperson Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to serving Kenyans with integrity and professionalism.
He said that land remains one of the most significant and sensitive resources in Kenya, impacting livelihoods, investment, development, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
The commissioners are expected to uphold these responsibilities with fairness, transparency, and professionalism.
The new commissioners bring a wide range of expertise from public service, governance, leadership, and community engagement.
Their experience is expected to strengthen the NLC’s institutional capacity, facilitate effective collaboration with stakeholders, and support the Commission in addressing both historical and emerging land challenges.
NLC CEO Ma Kabale Tache Arero welcomed the new commissioners on behalf of the Secretariat, emphasizing that the Commission has a competent and professional staff prepared to support the new leadership.
She highlighted that the addition of the commissioners would significantly enhance the Commission’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to fostering public participation in land governance, resolving historical injustices, and building public confidence in land administration processes.
These priorities are central to the NLC’s mission of managing public land efficiently and advising government entities on land policy.
Since its establishment under Article 67 of the Constitution of Kenya, the NLC has been mandated to manage public land, investigate historical land injustices, and ensure that government land policies are implemented effectively.
The appointment of new commissioners aligns with the Commission’s efforts to expand its reach, improve oversight, and ensure fair management of land resources across the country.
The NLC will continue to engage with national and county governments, development partners, and the public in its efforts to implement land reforms.
The Commission’s broader mandate also includes reviewing land grants, ensuring equitable distribution of land resources, and promoting sustainable land management practices.
The new commissioners’ collective expertise is expected to support ongoing initiatives to enhance transparency, improve governance systems, and resolve longstanding land disputes.
Their appointment is seen as a milestone in Kenya’s efforts to establish a fully functional and accountable land administration system that serves all citizens.
The National Land Commission welcomes the new commissioners and looks forward to their leadership in advancing equitable, efficient, and transparent land governance across the country, while strengthening public trust in the management of one of Kenya’s most valuable resources.
