National Assembly has begun the process of vetting individuals set to occupy the positions of members and the chairperson of the National Lands Commission (NLC), aimed at filling the vacant positions in the commission.

Confirming the start of the process in their X handle on Monday, March 9, 2026, the National Assembly has noted that the vetting of these nominees is being conducted by the committee on lands at the National Assembly after President William Ruto nominated the new chairperson and six members to the National Land Commission (NLC) and forwarded their names to Parliament for approval. 

The vetting, which is being conducted by the committee on lands in the National Assembly, comes after President William Ruto has nominated a chairperson and six members to the National Land Commission, in line with a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

“The Departmental Committee on Lands has begun vetting of nominees to the positions of chairperson and members of the National Land Commission (NLC),” the National Assembly noted.

Court allows vetting of commissioners

In a notification of Presidential Action No. V of 2026, the Executive Office said the nominations follow the Court of Appeal’s decision in Civil Application No. E662 of 2025, consolidated with Civil Applications No. E663, E680 and E682 of 2025.

The statement said the presidential action follows recommendations of a selection panel appointed through Kenya Gazette Notice No. 11212 of 2025 and gives effect to a ruling delivered on Friday, February 13, 2026.

“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 below,” the release states.

The nominee for chairperson is Dr Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy of Kwale County.

The six nominees for membership are Susan Khakasa Oyatsi of Kakamega County, Daniel Murithi Muriungi of Meru County, Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot of Kericho County, Dr Julie Ouma Oseko of Siaya County, Mohamed Abdi Haji Mohamed of Mandera County and Mary Yiane Seneta of Kajiado County.

Role of NLC

The National Land Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 67 of the Constitution of Kenya.

Its mandate includes managing public land on behalf of the national and county governments, recommending a national land policy, advising on land registration, conducting research related to land and natural resources, and investigating present or historical land injustices with a view to recommending appropriate redress.

Commissioners are appointed in accordance with the Constitution and must be approved by the National Assembly before assuming office.