Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has extended the tenure of the selection panel tasked with identifying nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) by 21 days.
The extension was announced in a Gazette notice dated February 27, 2026, published March 6 and issued under the provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by paragraph 16 of the First Schedule to the National Cohesion and Integration Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration extends the period specified in paragraph 7 of the First Schedule of the Act for a period of twenty-one (21) days,” the notice reads.
The extension applies specifically to the selection panel that was appointed through Gazette Notice No. 1002 of 2026 to oversee the recruitment process for the commission’s leadership.
According to the gazette notice, the additional time will allow the panel to complete its work of identifying and recommending suitable nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the commission.
The NCIC is a key statutory body mandated to promote national unity, foster peaceful coexistence and address ethnic and racial discrimination in the country.
The commission was established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act to help strengthen national cohesion, particularly in a country with diverse ethnic and cultural communities.
Murkomen declared the vacancies in the commission through a Gazette notice dated November 3.
He appointed a six-member team made up of Reuben Chirchir, Francis Meja, Pauline Mcharo, Alfred Mshimba, Michael Nzomo Mbithuka and Hannah Okwengu.
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.
Once the selection process is concluded, the panel will submit the shortlisted nominees for consideration and eventual appointment in accordance with the law.
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