The Government of Kenya has announced the recruitment of a new Chairperson and Members of the National Land Commission (NLC), opening the door for qualified Kenyans to take part in shaping the future of land governance.
This comes after the Selection Panel for Recruitment of Nominees declared vacancies in the Commission, with terms set to begin on 14th November 2025. The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, 16th September 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (EAT).
The announcement has drawn significant public interest because land remains one of Kenya’s most sensitive resources, and the NLC plays a central role in resolving disputes, addressing injustices, and ensuring equitable access.
NLC Vacancies at a Glance
To make it easier for applicants, here is a breakdown of the available vacancies, qualifications, and requirements:
| Position | Vacancies | Qualifications | Experience Required | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | 1 | Degree from a recognized university in Kenya | Minimum 15 years in public administration, land law, management, or related fields | Must meet Chapter Six integrity requirements; distinguished career |
| Member, NLC | 8 | Degree from a recognized university in Kenya | Minimum 10 years in administration, natural resource management, social sciences, or land adjudication | Must meet Chapter Six integrity requirements; proven career record |
Why These Jobs Matter
The National Land Commission (NLC) is mandated under Article 67 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 to manage public land on behalf of national and county governments, oversee land policy reforms, and address historical injustices.
The Commission’s work directly impacts:
- Public land allocation and protection.
- Land registration and adjudication.
- Squatter resettlement and historical injustices.
- Sustainable management of natural resources.
- Advice on land policy to the national government.
With growing disputes over land ownership, resource conflicts, and urban expansion, the appointment of a new Chairperson and Members is expected to shape Kenya’s land policies and governance for years to come.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for Chairperson
Applicants must:
- Hold a degree from a recognized university.
- Have at least 15 years of experience in fields such as:
- Public administration.
- Management and administration.
- Natural resource management.
- Land adjudication and settlement.
- Land law, land survey, spatial planning, or land economics.
- Social sciences.
- Meet Chapter Six of the Constitution requirements on leadership and integrity.
- Have a distinguished career in their area of expertise.
Eligibility for Members
Applicants must:
- Hold a degree from a recognized university.
- Have at least 10 years of experience in relevant areas such as public administration, social sciences, land economics, or natural resource management.
- Meet Chapter Six requirements on leadership and integrity.
- Demonstrate a proven, distinguished career record.
Who Is Disqualified?
According to Section 8 (3) of the National Land Commission Act (Cap 281), the following persons are not eligible:
- Current Members of Parliament or County Assembly.
- Officials of a political party.
- Individuals who have been dismissed from public office for misconduct.
- Anyone convicted of corruption, unlawful land acquisition, or abuse of office.
Additionally, former holders of such positions must wait two general elections after leaving office before being considered for reappointment.
Terms of Service
- Tenure: Six years (non-renewable).
- Salaries & Benefits: Determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
- The fixed non-renewable term ensures independence and integrity in executing the Commission’s mandate.
How to Apply for NLC Jobs
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of academic and professional certificates.
- National ID or Passport.
- Supporting documents proving work experience.
Submission Options
- Manual applications:
- Submit in a sealed envelope marked either “Application for Chairperson, National Land Commission” or “Application for Member, National Land Commission.”
- Addressed to: The Chairperson, Selection Panel for Recruitment of Nominees for Appointment as Chairperson and Members of the National Land Commission, Public Service Commission House, P.O. Box 30095 – 00100, Nairobi.
- Hand-deliver to the Public Service Commission Secretary’s Office, 4th Floor, Commission House, Harambee Avenue.
- Online applications:
- Send via email to nlc2025@publicservice.go.ke.
Application Deadline
- Applications must be received by Tuesday, 16th September 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (EAT).
Shortlisting and Interview
The Selection Panel will:
- Publish the names of shortlisted candidates in local newspapers and on the Public Service Commission website.
- Require shortlisted candidates to present originals of their documents during interviews, including:
- National ID or Passport.
- Academic and professional certificates.
- Clearance certificates from:
- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
- Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
- Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs).
- For foreign degrees: A Commission of University Education (CUE) recognition certificate.
Candidates may also need to present recommendation letters from three referees.
Commitment to Inclusivity
The Selection Panel, chaired by Hon. Rehema Dida Jaldesa, has emphasized inclusivity in the recruitment process. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with the constitutional principles of equity, diversity, and fairness.
Why Kenyans Should Care
The NLC is one of the most powerful independent commissions in Kenya. Its leadership determines how public land is managed, how historical injustices are resolved, and how resources are distributed fairly across the nation.
For millions of Kenyans—farmers, investors, urban residents, and county governments—these appointments will have a direct impact on their lives.
Qualified professionals in law, administration, land management, and natural resource governance now have a unique opportunity to serve the nation and leave a lasting legacy.
Key Dates
- Deadline for applications: Tuesday, 16th September 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
- Positions effective from: 14th November 2025.
- Vacancies available: Chairperson (1) and Members (8).
- Term of service: Six years, non-renewable.
Final Word
This recruitment process is not just another government job advertisement—it is a chance to transform Kenya’s land governance system. The Selection Panel has assured Kenyans of a transparent, merit-based, and fair process that will safeguard the integrity of the Commission.
As the September 16 deadline approaches, all eligible Kenyans are urged to apply, take part in this historic recruitment, and contribute to a fairer, more sustainable future in land management.
