Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has appointed a six-member selection panel to oversee the recruitment of a new chairperson and seven members of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
In a gazette notice dated November 3, Murkomen declared impending vacancies in the positions of the chairperson and commissioners, which will take effect on November 17, 2025. The vacancies arise from the anticipated expiry of the current commissioners’ six-year, non-renewable terms.
“Now therefore, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 17 of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission Act… hereby declares impending vacancies in the position of chairperson and seven members of the commission,” read the gazette notice.
The newly appointed selection panel includes Reuben Chirchir, Francis Meja, Pauline Mcharo, Alfred Mshimba, Michael Nzomo Mbithuka, and Hannah Okwengu. The panel will be responsible for identifying qualified candidates for appointment to lead and serve in the NCIC.
The NCIC, established under Section 15 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, plays a crucial role in promoting national unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among Kenya’s diverse communities. It is composed of a chairperson and seven members, all appointed for a single, six-year term, as stipulated in Article 250 (6) of the Constitution and Section 19 of the Act.
Murkomen’s announcement sets the stage for a transition at the Commission, which has been instrumental in addressing ethnic tensions and fostering cohesion, especially during election cycles. The formation of the selection panel ensures that the recruitment process begins early, allowing for a smooth succession and continuity in the Commission’s work.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining stability and strengthening institutions that uphold national unity.
