President William Ruto has initiated the process of appointing a new chairperson and members of the National Land Commission (NLC), with the current commissioners set to exit in November upon completing their non-renewable six-year term.

In a gazette notice dated August 15, 2025, the president declared the upcoming vacancies and named a seven-member selection panel to begin the recruitment process early, ensuring a smooth handover in line with constitutional requirements.

"I declare impending vacancies in the positions of chairperson and member of the commission, with effect from November 14. 2025 and constitute a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the national land commission," Ruto stated.

The seven individuals appointed to the selection panel include Jasper Micheni Mbiuki, Peris Mang’ira, Electine Nasambu, Ann Mwangangi, Bibiana Rabuku Omalla, Professor Nichola Letting, and Rehema Dida Jaldesa.

The panel will be tasked with shortlisting suitable candidates to lead the commission in managing the country’s land matters.

The National Land Commission, established under Article 67 of the Constitution, plays a critical role in managing public land on behalf of the national and county governments.

Its mandate includes advising the government on land policy, implementing land reforms, investigating historical land injustices, and offering recommendations for redress.

The commission also handles compulsory land acquisitions for public projects, ensuring that affected individuals receive fair compensation.

In addition, it oversees the registration of land and unregistered community land, monitors land use planning, promotes sustainable land management, and conducts research on land and natural resources.

Besides the NLC appointments, the president also made changes in other key state institutions. In the same gazette notice, Antira Ketora was appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation for a term of three years, starting August 15.

The foundation is instrumental in promoting access to education through scholarship programs and publishing.

Ruto also re-appointed Levi Franklin Mghalu as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya National Shipping Line for another three-year term.

Mghalu, a retired military officer, first took up the role in 2022 and will continue to provide strategic direction in the ongoing efforts to revamp Kenya’s maritime transport sector.