New NLC Leadership Officially Sworn in

Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Hon. Generali Nixon Korir this morning attended the swearing‑in ceremony of the new Chairperson of the National Land Commission (NLC) Dr. Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy, alongside six commissioners who will serve for a six‑year term.

The ceremony was officiated by Chief Justice Martha K. Koome at the Supreme Court, marking an important milestone in strengthening land governance in Kenya.

The commissioners are Susan Khakasa Oyatsi, Daniel Murithi Muriungi, Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot, Dr. Julie Ouma Oseko, Mohamed Abdi Haji Mohamed, and Mary Yiane Seneta.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has challenged the newly appointed Chairperson and Commissioners of the National Land Commission (NLC) to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution and the law, even in the face of competing interests and pressures.

Speaking at the Supreme Court during the swearing in ceremony on Monday, the Chief Justice underscored the central role of the NLC in Kenya’s constitutional architecture, describing it as a key steward of land governance. “In discharging your mandates, you must remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution and the law, even in the face of competing interests and pressures,” she said.

Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha reminded the newly sworn in commissioners that their mandate comes with immense expectations and challenges, given the sensitive nature of land matters in Kenya. He cautioned them against yielding to undue influence or engaging in unnecessary conflicts with the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, urging that, instead differences be resolved amicably to avoid wasting time and frustrating the country. Gathecha emphasized the importance of accountability, integrity and family support, noting that the commissioners’ work ahead will be demanding and requires strong backing at both professional and personal levels.
 

“You will get a lot of friends who will come to you for favours. That is going to earn you a lot of enemies also because your friends will come to you for favours which you may not be able to fulfil,” he said.

NLC is a constitutional commission established under Article 67 of the Constitution of Kenya with a mandate of managing public land, investigating historical land injustices, and advising government entities on land policy.