Chief Justice Martha Koome has challenged the new crop of land commissioners to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution and the law, even in the face of competing interests and pressures.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of the new crop of National Land Commissioners at the Supreme Court on Monday, Koome said NLC is an institution that occupies a central place in Kenya's constitutional architecture as a key steward of land governance.

“In recharging your mandates, you must remain steadfast in upholding the constitution and the law, even in the face of competing interests and pressures,” Koome said.

This is the third Commission since NLC opened its doors to the public in 2013.

The new crop of commissioners sworn in include Dr Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy (Chairperson) Susan Oyatsi, Daniel Muriungi, Vincent Kigen, Dr. Julie Oseko, Mohamed Abdi Haji, and Mary Seneta.

Esther Murugi and Tiyah Galgalo are still serving as commissioners as their term has not lapsed.

Lands PS Generali Nixon Korir attended the event.

NLC is a constitutional commission established under Article 67 of the Constitution of Kenya with a mandate of managing public land, investigating historical land injustices, and advising government entities on land policy.

Koome said said land is emotive, heritage, and is identity.  She said the commissioners sit in that important place to govern and determine the land rights in Kenya.

“Far beyond an economic resource, it is deeply intertwined with identity, history, community, and unity. Questions of land have shaped our past and continue to influence our present, making the work of the commission integral to our nation's pursuit of justice, dignity, and social transformation,” she said.

Koome said the frameworks of the constitution envisage the NLC to serve as a guardian of the public interest, an institution entrusted with extremely large resources in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and inclusive. 

“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 that you make.”

Koome said the challenges before the new commissioners are significant.

“They include addressing historical land injustices, resolving disputes over public land, strengthening land governance systems, (4:04) and ensuring that land administration supports sustainable development and environmental stewardship.”

Koome said the challenges are complex and often sensitive issues that demand courage, wisdom, and human and human fidelity to the law and our constitution. 

She said the commission like all other constitutional commissions and independent offices, the ommissioners are expected to function independently.

Koome said  the independence is not a name in itself, but a safeguard to ensure that decisions are made in the public interest, free from improper influence.

She said independence must be exercised alongside accountability adding that the constitution requires that all public institutions remain answerable to the people of Kenya. 

“You must therefore embrace transparency in your processes, fairness in your decisions, and openness in your engagement with your family.”

Koome urged the commissioners to collaborate with other institutions saying doing so will enable them to deliver.

She said the judiciary remains committed to supporting the NLC to realize its mandate. 

Koome noted that land matters constitute a significant portion of the cases that occupy our court and as such they will continue to implement measures aimed at enhancing efficiency, access to justice, and the quality of our land and the empowerment of students.

She said the oath of office guides the commissioners to fidelity to the constitution and the law, and to serve Kenya with integrity, diligence, and with charity.

“ May your service contribute meaningfully to the realization of a just, equitable, and prosperous Kenya.”

NLC CEO Kabale Tache Arero, on behalf of the Secretariat, welcomed the new commissioners. 

“We have no doubt that with your leadership and expertise joining our ranks, the National Land Commission will be significantly strengthened to deliver on its crucial constitutional mandate,” she said.

According to the CEO, NLC has a competent secretariat which will greatly support the new Commissioners to deliver on their mandate.

“NLC has the most comptent and professional staff and the Commissioners will find a team ready to support them,” she said.

Deputy head of public service Amos Gathecha while congratulating the new team said the government will give them the support they require as they up their new roles.

Gathecha said a lot is expected of the new commissioners. He said land is very motive in the country.

“You will get a lot of transnational friends who will come to you for favours. That is going to earn you a lot of enemies also because your friends will come to you for favours which you may not be able to fulfil,” he said.

Gathecha said the friends will turn to be enemies if their demands are not met.

He challenged the new commissioners to be accountable, with integrity.

Gathecha urged the new commissions not to start unnecessary fights with the lands ministry saying the commission have their role cut out in the constitution, the same way the ministry does.

He said the differences should be amicably resolved. Gathecha said fighting will see the commission lose time and frustrate the country.

He urged the families to support the newly appointed commissioners saying their job going forward is tough.

“If you do not give them the support they need, they will not be effective in their place of work. The families must step in now to support because that is very critical to them in making them effective,” he said.

The incoming chairman said as they take the oath of office, they are fully aware of the expectations that Kenyans have of NLC.

“Land remains one of the most significant and sensitive resources in our country. It touches on livelihoods, development, investment, environmental sustainability and social justice. The responsibility entrusted to us is therefore both profound and sacred,” he said.

Alawy said the first and second Commissions played a historic role in operationalizing this constitutional institution.

“They laid the foundation upon which we now stand by establishing systems, policies and institutional frameworks that continue to guide the Commission’s work today. Their contribution to advancing land reforms in Kenya forms an enduring part of the country’s governance legacy,” Alawy said.

Alawy appreciated the Secretariat for being professionalism, dedication and ensuring institutional continuity.

“Our immediate priority will be to review the implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan (2021–2026). As this strategic cycle approaches its conclusion, we shall undertake a comprehensive assessment of achievements, challenges  and lessons learned.”

The new chair said  the outcome of the 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.

Other areas of focus include the automation and digitization of the Commission’s services and the operationalization of the review of grants and dispositions of public land following the enactment of the National Land Commission (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Alawy said the commission will also focus on the development of a comprehensive national public land inventory and addressing operational and legal backlogs within the Commission will be another urgent priority.

The new chair said 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.”

Alawy said they will strengthen institutional coordination for effective land governance cannot be achieved by one institution alone.