President William Ruto has made fresh appointments to state boards and commissions.

The appointments were made through a gazette notice dated May 6, 2026.

Among them, President Ruto named Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae as the new chairperson of the NCIC for a term of six years.

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“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 17 (1) (a) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Kepha Nyamweya Omae (Dr.) to be the Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission," the gazette notice states.

He will serve for a term of six years.

He takes over from Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, who previously served as the NCIC chairperson.

The President also appointed seven commissioners to serve on the commission for a six-year term.

Those appointed are Josphine Kirion Eragae, Joseph K. Nguyo, Jackson Swadi Kedogo, Dr Samuel Mwachiro Mwawasi, Irene Chepoisho Tulel, Hassan Billow Ahmed and Jerusah Mwaathime Michael.

The appointments to the commission were made under Section 17(1)(b) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

Under the provision, the President is empowered to appoint members of the commission, subject to the law.

They are responsible for promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence, and integration among communities in Kenya and overseeing efforts aimed at eliminating ethnic discrimination, hate speech, and incitement, especially during politically sensitive periods.

The commissioners also monitor public and political discourse to ensure compliance with laws on cohesion and national values.

In addition, they work with government agencies, civil society groups, religious leaders, and communities to promote dialogue, conflict resolution, and inclusion.

The commission also advises the government on policies and measures aimed at strengthening national cohesion and social harmony.

The new commissioners are expected to steer the agency’s mandate of promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence, and integration among communities across the country.

The commission also plays a key role in addressing ethnic discrimination, hate speech, and incitement, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

In a separate gazette notice, the President appointed Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe as an ambassador within Kenya’s Foreign Service.

The appointment was made under Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution, which grants the President powers to appoint ambassadors and diplomatic representatives.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Julius Murori Mbijiwe (Dr.) to be an Ambassador within the Foreign Service of the Republic of Kenya,” the notice states.

The appointment places Dr Mbijiwe among Kenya’s diplomatic representatives tasked with advancing the country’s foreign policy interests abroad.

The latest appointments take effect immediately following publication in the Kenya Gazette.