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NLC settles on Julie Oseko as vice chairperson
Dr Julie Oseko at Milimani Court, Nairobi, on Thursday, October 24, 2019, testifying in a property dispute which claimed she and her late husband purchased in 1992.
The new commissioners of the National Land Commission (NLC) have started working a day after taking the oath of office, with the priority being the national infrastructure projects.
During the inaugural meeting of the commissioners, Dr Julie Oseko was elected as the Vice Chairperson of the Commission in an exercise that was held pursuant to Article 250(10)(a) of the Constitution, which provides that commissions shall elect a vice chairperson from among their members at the first sitting.
Article 250 (11) and Section 7 of the National Land Commission Act, 2012, stipulate that the vice chairperson shall be of the opposite gender to the chairperson.
While announcing the outcome of the meeting, Dr Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy, who is the NLC Chairperson, said that the election was conducted in a cordial and collegial environment, reflecting the Commission’s shared commitment to teamwork, integrity, and service to the people of Kenya.
“On behalf of the entire Commission, I extend my warmest congratulations to the newly elected Vice Chairperson and wish her every success as she undertakes her six-year tenure in this important role,” Dr Abdillahi said.
He also said that the new team has already started to discharge its roles by approving the publication of a Gazette Notice on the intention to acquire land for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B, from Naivasha to Kisumu.
“This marks a significant step in facilitating critical national infrastructure development in line with our mandate under Article 67 of the Constitution. The NLC recognizes that land administration is the bedrock of development, and the swift approval of the SGR land acquisition notice ensures that this vital transport corridor remains on schedule.”
During the swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court on Monday, the new team announced that it would prioritise the challenges that the previous team had been facing, including solving some of the historical land issues in the country.
NLC Chairperson said that the previous commission left pending work, including operational and legal backlogs within the Commission, which will be an urgent priority.
“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.”
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.
Other Commissioners include Susan Oyatsi, Daniel Murithi Muriungi, Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot, Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, and Mary Yiane Seneta.
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