Surveyors’ Body ISK Rejects Ruto’s Nominees to Land Commission

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has voiced great disappointment following the notification of Presidential Action No. V of 2026, which nominated a new Chairperson and six members to the National Land Commission (NLC).

ISK said it was among the key institutions that championed the inclusion of Chapter 5 on environment and land in the Constitution, yet they were excluded from the appointment of commissioners to the national land commission.

“The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) wishes to register its great disappointment with the communication coming from the Executive Office of the President i.e., notification of Presidential Action No. V of 2026 dated 17th February 2026 on the Nomination of Chairperson and Six Members of the National Land Commission (NLC),” ISK stated.

The institution claimed that NLC was intended to ensure professionalism, accountability, and the resolution of historical injustices in land governance.

ISK Questioning Selection Panel

However, the institution now questions the criteria used by the Selection Panel, demanding that candidate scores be made public to explain why “landed professionals who applied for these positions” were bypassed.

“We wonder whether there was a scoring system by the Selection Panel. Does it mean that the landed professionals who applied for these positions scored so low to warrant their exclusion? Can these scores be made public,” ISK said.

ISK further stated that the National Land Commission Act (Cap. 281) explicitly identifies “land law, land survey, spatial planning or land economics” as relevant fields of expertise for appointment.

Also Read:President Ruto Announces Seven New Govt Appointments

Section 8(1) and 8(2) of the National Land Commission Act (Cap. 281) clearly provide that a person qualifies for appointment as Chairperson or Member of the Commission if they hold a degree from a recognized university, have knowledge and experience of at least fifteen (15) years for Chairperson, and ten (10) years for Members, in matters relating to specified fields and should meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The ISK contends that the current nominees are not subject matter experts and that the commission’s functions, such as managing public land, advising on title registration, and investigating historical injustices, are inherently technical and spatial in nature.

“We reiterate that the team as proposed are not subject matter experts and would find it difficult to provide professional and strategic direction. This appointment should not be a learning experience for the Commissioners but an avenue for them to give back to Kenyans through proper adjudication of land matters,” ISK said.

Also Read: Government Orders Kakuzi to Return 3200 Acres of Land to Claimants

Nominations of NLC Board Members

On February 17, 2026, President William Ruto announced the nomination of seven new members, including a chairperson, to the National Land Commission (NLC).

The appointments follow a ruling by the Court of Appeal that authorized the recruitment and nomination of the third cohort of commissioners.

The nominees are included Chairperson, Dr. Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy (Kwale), Ms. Susan Khakasa Oyatsi (Kakamega), Mr. Daniel Murithi Muriungi (Meru), Mr. Kigen Vincent Cheruiyot (Kericho), Hon. Dr. Julie Ouma Oseko (Siaya), Hon. Mohamed Abdi Haji Mohamed (Mandera), Hon. Mary Yiane Seneta (Kajiado).

President Ruto said two current commissioners, Hon. Esther Murugi Mathenge, EGH, and Hon. Tiyah Galgalo Ali, MBS, will continue to serve until their terms expire on Dec. 20, 2026.

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National Land Commission at Ardhi House/File