President William Ruto has initiated the process of recruiting 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, the President declared impending vacancies in the commission, whose current officeholders’ six-year non-renewable term ends on November 14.
He said the early move was intended to guarantee a smooth transition in line with the Constitution and the NLC 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,” the notice read.
The panel members named by the President are Jasper Micheni Mbiuki, Peris Mang’ira, Electine Nasambu, Ann Mwangangi, Bibiana Rabuku Omalla, Professor Nichola Letting, and Rehema Dida Jaldesa.
Beyond the NLC, President Ruto also made changes in other state institutions through new appointments and reappointments.
Antira Ketora was named Non-Executive Chairperson of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Board for a three-year term, while retired military officer Levi Franklin Mghalu was re-appointed as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya National Shipping Line for another three years.
Established under Article 67 of the Constitution, the NLC is tasked with managing public land on behalf of national and county governments, implementing land reforms, addressing historical land injustices, and overseeing compulsory land acquisitions to ensure fair compensation.
It also monitors land use, manages unregistered community land, and promotes sustainable land management.