New NLC team sworn in, to prioritise historical injustices, public land grabbing

“The Exit Report of the Second Commission identified several pending matters including historical land injustice claims, active court cases and compensation claims arising from compulsory land acquisition. Our objective will be to progressively clear these backlogs in order to enhance service delivery and restore public confidence in land administration,” Dr Abdillahi said in his acceptance speech.

He said that his team will also move with speed in reviewing the implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan (2021–2026).

“We shall undertake a comprehensive assessment of achievements, challenges and lessons learned. The outcome of this review will guide the development of a new strategic plan that reflects emerging priorities in land governance and aligns with national development objectives, including the Government’s BETA Agenda. This process will involve broad consultation with stakeholders across the national and county governments, Parliament, the Judiciary and other actors within the land sector.”

His focus will also be the operationalisation of the review of grants and dispositions of public land, following the enactment of the National Land Commission (Amendment) Act, 2025.

According to him, the constitutional mandate provided under Article 68(c)(v) of the Constitution is critical in addressing illegal or irregular allocations of public land.

“It will also contribute to strengthening accountability and transparency in land administration while enabling the Commission to address both present and historical land injustices that continue to affect many communities across the country.”

Dr Abdillahi also announced that the new team will prioritise the development of a comprehensive national public land inventory, which will enable the country to clearly identify the location, size and status of public land across.

“Such information is essential for planning and safeguarding land required for public purposes including schools, hospitals, roads, housing and other critical infrastructure.”

During the ceremony, Chief Justice Martha Koome who presided over the event asked the new team to uphold integrity and the oath of office, stating the uniqueness of the land in the country.

The CJ said that the framers of the constitution envisioned NLC to serve as a guardian of the public interest – an institution entrusted with stewarding land resources in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and accountable.

“As you assume office, I urge you to internalize this constitutional vision and ensure that it acts as the operational principle that must guide every decision you make. The challenges before you are significant. They include addressing historical land injustices, resolving disputes over public land, strengthening land governance systems, and ensuring that land administration supports sustainable development and environmental stewardship.” CJ said.

Competing interests 

The new team was also asked to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution and the law, even in the face of competing interests and pressures.

“Like all the other constitutional commissions and independent offices, you are expected to function independently. That independence is not an end in itself but a safeguard to ensure that decisions are made in the public interest, free from improper influence.”

The six newly appointed Commissioners who took the oath alongside the chairperson includes Susan Oyatsi, Daniel Murithi Muriungi, Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot, Dr Julie Ouma Oseko, Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, and Mary Yiane Seneta.

They will join the two commissioners who are already serving in office, including Esther Mathenge Murugi, and Tiyah Galgalo.

This becomes the third commission since NLC opened its doors to the public in 2013 following the institution of the first commission.

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