President William Ruto has appointed seven new members to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) through a gazette notice dated May 6, 2026.
In Gazette Notice No. 6564, the President invoked powers under Section 17 (1) (b) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act to make the appointments. The notice confirms that the seven will serve as members of the commission for a term of six years.
The appointees are Josphine Kirion Eragae, Joseph K. Nguyo, Jackson Swadi Kedogo, Samuel Mwachiro Mwawasi (Dr.), Irene Chepoisho Turel, Hassan Billow Ahmed, and Jerusah Mwaathime Michael.
The appointments formally constitute the membership of the NCIC, an independent commission established under Kenyan law to address issues of ethnic relations, discrimination, and national cohesion.
Legal Mandate and Tenure
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission is established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act (Cap. 7N), which gives it the mandate to promote equality and peaceful coexistence among communities.
Under Section 17 of the Act, the President is empowered to appoint members of the commission, subject to the law.
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The gazette notice indicates that the appointments have been made in line with that provision, bringing the commission to full or renewed composition.
Such appointments are required for the commission to function and make binding decisions under the law.
Each of the seven members will serve a fixed term of six years, as stated in the notice.
This tenure provides continuity in the commission’s work, which includes handling complaints related to ethnic discrimination, monitoring public statements for hate speech, and advising the government on cohesion matters.
The fixed term also shields the members from frequent changes, allowing them to handle long-running cases and policy issues.
The publication of the notice makes the appointments official and marks the start of the commissioners’ term in office.
The members are expected to assume office following the gazettement.
NCIC’s Core Role
The NCIC plays a statutory role in addressing ethnic tensions and promoting national unity across the country.
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Its functions include investigating discrimination complaints, facilitating dialogue between communities, and recommending legal or policy measures to strengthen cohesion.
The commission is also mandated to monitor hate speech and incitement, particularly in public discourse.
This responsibility places it at the centre of efforts to prevent conflict and maintain social stability.
Its role often becomes more visible during periods of heightened political activity and public debate.
Furthermore, the NCIC promotes inclusivity in public employment and resource allocation, collaborates with state agencies on enforcement of cohesion, and conducts research on ethnic relations.
It also recommends prosecution of offenders, monitors compliance with cohesion laws, and develops policy guidelines to address integration challenges while strengthening early warning mechanisms for conflict prevention.
With the appointment of the seven members, the commission is expected to carry out these duties within the framework set out in law.
The new members will be required to work collectively to implement programs aimed at reducing divisions and fostering inclusion.
Their work will also involve engaging with state agencies and communities to address emerging cohesion concerns.
The six-year term gives the commissioners sufficient time to address long-term cohesion issues, including persistent grievances and building sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution.
