Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has appointed six members to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission selection panel.
In a gazette notice dated November 3, the CS declared impending vacancies in the position of chairperson and seven members of the commission, with effect from November 17, 2025.
According to the gazette notice, there are impending vacancies in the membership of the Commission arising from the anticipated expiry of the six-year non-renewable term of office of the current members with effect from November 17, 2025.
“Now therefore, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 17 of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission Act as read with the procedure set out under Paragraph 2 of the First Schedule to the Act, do hereby: I declare impending vacancies in the position of chairperson and seven members of the commission, with effect from the November 17, 2025,” Murkomen said in a gazette notice.
He further constituted a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the NCIC.
The CS appointed Reuben Chirchir, Francis Meja, Pauline Mcharo, Alfred Mshimba, Michael Nzomo Mbithuka and Hannah Okwengu.
NCIC is established under section 15 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act: Whereas, the Commission is constituted of a chairperson and seven members.
Pursuant to Article 250 (6) of the Constitution as read with
section 19 of the Act, the chairperson and members of the commission are appointed
for a single term of six years and are not eligible for re-appointment.
The
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is an independent government body established under the National
Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008, following the 2007/2008 post-election
violence.
Its main purpose is to promote national unity, prevent ethnic
discrimination, and address hate speech in Kenya.
The Commission is made up of a chairperson, several commissioners appointed
to reflect the diversity of Kenya, and a commission secretary or CEO who leads
the day-to-day operations, supported by technical and administrative staff.
NCIC works to prevent and resolve ethnic and political conflicts by
monitoring public speech, investigating and prosecuting hate speech, and
facilitating peace dialogues.
It also conducts civic education to promote tolerance and advises the
government on policies that foster peaceful coexistence.
The Commission plays a key role in promoting harmonious relations among communities and helping ensure that Kenya remains stable, especially during election periods.
NCIC works to engage youth, religious leaders, cultural elders, and civil society.
