Ruto Appoints Chairperson, Six Members of National Land Commission
President William Ruto has nominated a new chairperson and six commissioners to the National Land Commission (NLC), setting the stage for parliamentary vetting \following a recent court ruling allowing the recruitment process to proceed.
The decision follows a directive by the Court of Appeal of Kenya authorising the hiring of a third cohort of commissioners strictly to fill vacant positions of chairperson and six members while appeals by previous applicants continue.
In a statement released by State House, the government confirmed the nominations and outlined the legal basis for the appointments.
“His Excellency the President has caused nominations for appointment to the ranks of the membership of the National Land Commission (NLC),” the statement read in part.
“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, as annotated.”
New leadership
The Head of State nominated Dr Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy as the new chairperson, replacing outgoing chair Gershom Otachi.
The proposed commissioners include financial expert Susan Khakasa Oyatsi, Daniel Murithi Muriungi, former National Employment Authority chairperson Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot, advocate and senior legal consultant Dr Julie Ouma Oseko, former Banisa MP Mohamed Abdi Haji Mohamed, and former Kajiado Woman Representative Mary Yiane Seneta.
Seneta had previously been shortlisted by the Public Service Commission of Kenya for possible appointment to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission in 2025 but did not make the final selection.
Parliament to vet nominees
Attention now shifts to the National Assembly of Kenya, which is mandated to vet and approve the nominees before forwarding the names back to the President for formal appointment.
The government emphasized that the nomination process complies with constitutional procedures.
“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,” the statement added.
Tenure of current commissioners unaffected
Legal analysts say the clarification prevents a leadership vacuum while ongoing litigation from previous applicants is still before the courts.
Role of the commission
The National Land Commission is one of Kenya’s key constitutional institutions tasked with managing public land on behalf of both national and county governments. The body also investigates historical land injustices, recommends land policies, and monitors land use planning across the country.
Observers note that the new appointments come at a time when land disputes, urban expansion, and compensation claims remain among the most sensitive governance issues in Kenya. The incoming team will therefore be expected to strengthen transparency, improve dispute resolution mechanisms, and restore public confidence in land administration processes.
If approved by Parliament, the nominees will assume office for a fixed constitutional term and immediately begin overseeing land management reforms and ongoing investigations.
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Ruto Appoints Chairperson, Six Members of National Land Commission
