The National Assembly of Kenya has approved the nomination of eight individuals to serve in the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), marking a significant step in reconstituting the key body tasked with promoting national unity and cohesion.

Taking it to its social media handles on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, Parliament stated that this decision was made during a House meeting held at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, where the House passed the report of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity. The committee had recommended that all nominees be approved based on their credentials and suitability for the positions.

“The National Assembly has approved the nomination of eight individuals to serve as members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). The House, in its sitting held this evening, resolved to adopt the Report of the Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, which had recommended the approval of all the nominees following the conclusion of the vetting process,” the Parliament statement read in part.

The screening, which took place over two days, April 25 and April 27, was presided over by the committee vice-chairperson, Duncan Mathenge. In a report to the House, Mathenge said the candidates satisfied the legal requirements and had relevant experience in line with the commission’s purview.

As such, MPs cleared the election of Kepha Omae as commission chairperson. The other members approved by the House are Josephine Eragae, Joseph Nguyo, Jackson Kedogo, Samuel Mwachiro, Irene Tulel, Hassan Ahmed and Jerusah Mwaathime.

Vacancy declaration

The approval is meant to fill in the void created following the Public Service Commission (PSC) declaring vacancies and subsequently conducting interviews in the positions of Chairperson and Members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC)

The outgoing commissioners, led by Samwel Kobia, assumed office on November 19, 2019, for a single, non-renewable six-year term as stipulated by the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008 and Article 250(6). Their term officially ended on Monday, November 17, 2025.

Executive appointment

After approval by the National Assembly of Kenya, the process now moves to the executive stage before the new team at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission can officially assume office.

First, the names are forwarded to the president for formal appointment. The president is expected to officially appoint the chairperson and commissioners through a gazette notice, which legally confirms their positions.

Once gazetted, the appointees will then take the oath of office, usually administered by the judiciary. This step formally authorises them to begin carrying out their duties.

After being sworn in, the new commissioners will assume office and begin executing the mandate of the commission. This includes promoting national cohesion, addressing hate speech, monitoring ethnic relations, and advising the government on integration issues.

Their appointment will see the reconstitution of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which is tasked with ensuring national unity, resolving ethnic conflicts and promoting cohesion in the country.