MPs approve Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy as new NLC chairperson
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 11, 2026The National Assembly has approved the appointment of Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy as the new Chairperson of the National Land Commission (NLC), along with six other members. The approval was confirmed during a special motion in the House on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
“Taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Lands in its report on the approval hearing of Nominees for Appointment as Chairperson and Members of the National Land Commission… this House approves the appointment of the following persons to the National Land Commission,” the House stated.
The motion, followed the committee’s review of the nominees. The House voted in favour of the appointments in line with Article 250(2)(b) of the Constitution, section 12 of the National Land Commission Act, Cap. 281, and sections 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F.
The approved members are: Susan Khakasa Oyatsi, Daniel Murithi Muriungi, Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot, Julie Ouma Oseko, Mohamed Abdi Haji, and Mary Yiane Seneta.
Alawy, from Kwale County, was nominated by President William Ruto following a Court of Appeal ruling that cleared the way for the appointments. The nominations were based on recommendations from a selection panel appointed through Kenya Gazette Notice No. 11212 of 2025.
The vetting
The National Assembly had begun vetting the nominees on March 9, 2026, led by the Departmental Committee on Lands. During the process, members of the committee examined the qualifications, experience, and integrity of each nominee.
The vetting came after the Court of Appeal’s decision in Civil Application No. E662 of 2025, consolidated with applications E663, E680, and E682 of 2025. The court ruling had required the President to nominate new members and obtain parliamentary approval before they could assume office.
The National Land Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 67 of the Constitution.
Its responsibilities include managing public land on behalf of national and county governments, recommending national land policy, advising on land registration, conducting research on land and natural resources, and investigating historical or present land injustices to recommend appropriate redress.