NCIC dismisses disbandment reports, affirms full operations
NCIC Chair Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said the reports were “incorrect, misleading and a misrepresentation of the facts.”
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has dismissed claims that it had been disbanded, emphasising that it remains fully operational and continues to execute its legal mandate.
In a statement on Wednesday, NCIC Chair Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said the reports were “incorrect, misleading and a misrepresentation of the facts.”
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He stressed that the commission continues to promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony, and peaceful coexistence among Kenya’s diverse ethnic and racial communities, as provided for under the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008.
"We wish to clarify that recent media reports, alleging the disbandment of the Commission, are incorrect, misleading and a misrepresentation of the facts. The NCIC remains fully operational and continues to execute its legal mandate," stated Kobia.
Kobia confirmed that the current commission, which he chairs, assumed office on November 19, 2019, and will conclude its single six-year term on November 17, 2025, as stipulated under Section 19 of the Act. He added that NCIC is preparing a comprehensive handover report to President William Ruto, the commission’s appointing authority, in line with its commitment to accountability and good governance.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior announced the formation of a six-member committee to oversee the recruitment of a new Chairperson and seven Members of NCIC ahead of the current commissioners’ term expiry. The selection panel, established through a gazette notice dated November 4, 2025, will conduct the recruitment process in accordance with the law.
Those appointed to the panel include Dr Reuben Chirchir, Francis Meja, Pauline Mcharo, Col. (Rtd.) Alfred Mshimba, Michael Nzomo Mbithuka, and Lady Justice (Rtd.) Hannah Okwengu.
According to the notice, the Chairperson and Members of the NCIC will serve a single six-year term and will not be eligible for reappointment.
“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 and constitutes a selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment as chairperson and members of the commission,” reads the notice.
NCIC was established under the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008, which came into force on March 9, 2009.
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