Search for new Land Commission begins as Ruto names panel

The search for the third National Land Commission (NLC) has begun in earnest following President William Ruto’s declaration of seven slots.

Ruto has consequently appointed a selection committee, which will oversee the recruitment process.

NLC Chairperson Gershom Otachi Omwanwa and six other members will exit on November 15, having completed their six-year term.

The members are James Tuitoek, Getrude Nguku, Reginald Okumu, Samwel Kambi, Hubbie Al-Haji, and Alister Mutugi.

Commissioners Esther Murugi and Tiya Galgalo will, however, continue serving for at least one more year, as they joined the commission later.

The two were sworn in on December 20, 2020, which means they will exit in December 2026.

The named members of the Selection Panel include Jasper Mbiuki from the Office of the President, Peris Mang’ira from the Ministry of Lands, NGO representatives Dr Electine Nasambu and Anne Mwangangi, Bibiana Ribuku Omalla (representing the Private Sector), Nichola Letting (representing of Professional Societies of East Africa) and National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chair Rehema Jaldesa.

President Ruto made the appointments in the Kenya Gazette of Friday, 15,  2025.

The inaugural Commission led by Prof Muhammad Swazuri under the new constitution assumed office on the February 27, 2013 and exited on November 15, 2019.

According to the law, the Public Service Commission (PSC) will convene the first meeting of the Selection Panel, at which the members of the panel will pick a chairperson.

Within seven days of their first meeting, the Panel is required to advertise the vacancies in at least two dailies of national circulation.