Nairobi, Kenya – The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has sharply criticised recent appointments to the National Land Commission (NLC), arguing that the exclusion of a surveyor undermines the technical capacity required for effective land governance.
In a strongly worded statement, the professional body—representing land surveyors, valuers, land administrators, geospatial experts and other land-sector practitioners—said the new lineup fails to reflect the multidisciplinary expertise envisioned under Section 8(1) and 8(2) of the National Land Commission Act (Cap 281).
According to ISK President Erick Nyadimo, leaving out a qualified surveyor weakens the commission’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
The NLC is tasked with managing public land, advising government on land policy and addressing historical land injustices—functions that require specialised technical input.
“We urge the President to relook at these appointments. They must fully give effect to both the letter and spirit of Section 8 of the National Land Commission Act, ensuring the NLC reflects the multidisciplinary expertise necessary for effective management of Kenya’s land resources,” Nyadimo stated.
“Land governance must be guided by law, technical competence and public interest.”
ISK argues that excluding professionals trained in land surveying, cadastral mapping, valuation and land administration denies the commission critical expertise, particularly in:
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Land registration and titling systems
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Public land management and planning
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Dispute resolution and boundary demarcation
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Land valuation and compensation frameworks
The association maintains that incorporating such expertise would strengthen oversight and improve the accuracy and credibility of land reforms.
The newly appointed NLC team includes Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy as chairperson, alongside six other nominees forwarded to Parliament for approval. ISK notes that none of the nominees come from a surveying or land-specific professional body.
The omission has ignited debate over the role of technical professional organisations in public institutions, particularly commissions handling specialised sectors such as land.
While the Constitution and the National Land Commission Act outline qualifications for commissioners, they do not require representation from any specific professional body. Critics argue that this flexibility has, in practice, led to appointments lacking sufficient professional balance, potentially weakening informed oversight and strategic planning.
ISK is now calling for more inclusive selection panels that ensure relevant expertise is reflected in state commissions dealing with complex technical matters.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Executive Office of the President regarding the ISK’s concerns were ongoing at the time of publication.
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