NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Land Commission (NLC) has announced the appointment and swearing-in of seven new commissioners, marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance land governance, transparency, and accountability in the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 23, the commission said the new appointees will join serving commissioners Hon. Esther Mathenge Murugi and Hon. Tiyah Gagalalo, bringing the team closer to full operational capacity.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are led by Chairperson Abdillahi Saggaaf Alawy. Other members include FCPA Susan Oyatsi, Daniel Murithi Muriungi, Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot, Dr. Julie Ouma Oseko, Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, and Mary Yiane Seneta.
The commission described the appointments as a key step in strengthening its constitutional mandate, particularly in land management, administration, and the review of grants and dispositions of public land.
“This is an important milestone as we continue to strengthen land governance systems and deliver on our expanded mandate,” the statement said.
Speaking after the swearing-in, Alawy underscored the central role of land in Kenya’s socio-economic fabric, noting that it remains one of the most sensitive and critical resources.
“Land touches on livelihoods, development, investment, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The responsibility entrusted to us is therefore both profound and sacred,” he said.
He pledged that the commission would execute its mandate with integrity, professionalism, transparency and fairness, in line with constitutional requirements.
The NLC, established under Article 67 of the Constitution, is mandated to manage public land on behalf of national and county governments, recommend land policy, and investigate historical land injustices—issues that have long shaped Kenya’s political and economic landscape.
Chief Executive Officer Kabale Tache Arero welcomed the new commissioners, expressing confidence in their ability to strengthen the institution’s work.
“We have no doubt that with your leadership and expertise joining our ranks, the National Land Commission will be significantly strengthened to deliver on its crucial constitutional mandate,” she said.
Arero added that the commission’s secretariat is well-equipped to support the new leadership, citing a professional team ready to advance the institution’s objectives.
The NLC said it remains committed to fostering public participation, resolving both historical and emerging land challenges, and building trust in land administration systems.
The new commissioners are expected to play a central role in shaping land policy and ensuring equitable access and use of land resources across the country.
