President William Ruto has kicked off the process of nominating a new chairperson and members of the National Land Commission (NLC) by appointing a seven-member selection panel.
In a gazette notice dated August 15, 2025, Ruto declared vacancies in the commission, noting that the current officeholders’ six-year non-renewable term will lapse on November 14.
He said the early move is meant to guarantee a smooth transition in line with the Constitution and the National Land Commission Act.
“I declare impending vacancies in the positions of chairperson and member of the commission, with effect from November 14. 2025 and constitute a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the national land commission,” he said.
Ruto named seven members to the selection panel, among them Jasper Micheni Mbiuki, Peris Mang’ira, Electine Nasambu, Ann Mwangangi, Bibiana Rabuku Omalla, Professor Nichola Letting, and Rehema Dida Jaldesa.
He further made changes in other state institutions through fresh appointments and re-appointments to strengthen leadership in key agencies.
Antira Ketora was appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation for a period of three years.
Ketora will steer the foundation, which plays a crucial role in promoting education through scholarships and publishing, from August 15.
In the same notice, the President re-appointed Levi Franklin Mghalu as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya National Shipping Line for another three-year term.
Mghalu, a retired military officer, first took up the role in 2022 and will now continue to provide strategic leadership in efforts to revive Kenya’s maritime transport sector.
The National Land Commission (NLC), established under Article 67 of the Constitution, is mandated to manage public land on behalf of the national and county governments.
It advises on land policy, implements land reforms, and investigates historical land injustices with a view to recommending appropriate redress.
The commission also oversees compulsory land acquisitions for public projects, ensuring fair compensation, and plays an oversight role in the registration of land and management of unregistered community land.
In addition, it conducts research on land and natural resources, monitors land use planning, and promotes sustainable land management.
by JAMES GICHIGI
