The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is a statutory government body in Kenya established to create a united, harmonious, and equitable society. It was created by the National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008. The NCIC was born out of the 2007/2008 Post-Election Violence. As part of "Agenda Four" of the National Accord, it was designed to address the deep-seated ethnic tensions, systemic discrimination, and lack of national unity that led to the crisis.
The Commission is headquartered in Upper hill 17th Floor Britam Tower in Nairobi.
It is a written expression of displeasure over discriminatory treatment based on ethnic, racial, or religious grounds, setting out sufficient reasons for the claim.
You can submit a written complaint by hand, post, or electronic transmission (email). Evidence: Provide audio/video recordings, screenshots of social media posts, or specific details (date/time/location) with names of credible witnesses.
Any person (or group of persons) who feels they have been discriminated against or harassed based on ethnicity, race, or religion can lodge a complaint. Complaints can be made by individuals or corporate bodies, and you can even report an issue that doesn't affect you exclusively.
The Commission can recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) that a candidate be disqualified for violating Chapter Six of the Constitution regarding integrity and national cohesion.
The Commission is primarily funded by the National Treasury, though it occasionally receives support from international development partners for specific peace programs.
Yes. Besides "ethnic" matters as our primary focus, the mandate extends to "racial" discrimination and the promotion of harmony between people of different races living in Kenya, since Kenya is a diverse country with various persons living in Kenya
While the Constitution protects religious freedom, the NCIC intervenes when religious differences are used as a tool for ethnic incitement or when religious groups face systemic discrimination.
No. The Commission investigates and recommends prosecution to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who makes the final decision to charge as provided for by the Constitution 2010.
Hate speech refers to speech, publications, or actions that incite hatred, violence, or discrimination against a person or group based on ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality. NCIC monitors media, political speeches, and online platforms to address such cases
A fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.
Ethnic Contempt refers to words intended to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination against any person, group or community on the basis of ethnicity or race.
A fine not exceeding one million shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.
No. NCIC does not arrest or prosecute directly. NCIC Investigates complaints Collects evidence and recommends action to agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Attorney General and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is mandated to conduct research on matters relating to social cohesion and integration in Kenya. The department generates evidence-based insights that inform policy, programs, and interventions aimed at fostering peaceful co-existence among Kenya’s diverse communities. It draws its mandate from section 25(p), which is to ‘undertake research and studies and make recommendations to the Government on any issue relating to ethnic affairs including whether ethnic relations are improving’.
NCIC conducts a broad range of research including ethnic and diversity audits, mapping and rapid assessment, as well as other thematic researches.
NCIC research generates reliable data and analysis that enables the Commission to identify risks, map conflict hotspots, develop targeted interventions, and measure progress on cohesion and integration. Research findings directly inform the Commission's strategic planning, public education campaigns, and engagements with government and other stakeholders.
NCIC research reports, policy briefs, and publications are publicly available on the Commission's official website www.cohesion.go.ke. Hard copies of select publications may also be obtained from NCIC headquarters in Nairobi or at the regional offices. Members of the public, researchers, and institutions are encouraged to visit the website or contact the Commission directly.
Yes. NCIC welcomes partnerships with research institutions, civil society organizations, international agencies, state and non-state actors. Such collaborations can be on research that advances the Commission’s mandate.
NCIC actively involves communities in its research through data collection processes, stakeholder engagements, public consultations, and community dialogues. Community participation ensures that research findings are grounded in lived experiences and that interventions are relevant, inclusive, and accepted by the communities they are intended to benefit.
In accordance with Section 7 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act (CAP 7N), NCIC monitors the ethnic composition of employees in public institutions. The Commission from time to time publishes reports on the status of diversity and inclusion and provides recommendations to ensure equitable representation of all communities.
Yes. NCIC offers internship and attachment opportunities for students pursuing studies in social sciences, law, conflict studies, statistics, and related fields. Interested candidates should submit their applications, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a letter from their academic institution. When available, vacancies are advertised on the NCIC website.
Yes. NCIC is committed to research accountability and ensures that findings are shared with participating communities through community feedback sessions such as validation forums, stakeholder engagements, and accessible publications. This promotes transparency and community ownership of cohesion initiatives.
The Commission is primarily funded by the National Treasury, though it occasionally receives support from development partners for specific programs. Like-minded institutions including universities are encouraged to pursue collaboration.
Anyone wishing to access specific data or commission data may submit a formal written request to the Commission Secretary, clearly stating the purpose, scope, and intended use of the data. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis in line with data protection and confidentiality guidelines.
The NCIC plays a central role in safeguarding the electoral environment by preventing and managing conflict rooted in hate speech, ethnic tension, and divisive political communication.
The Commission regularly partners with local civil society, community leaders, and government agencies to conduct civic education. We encourage residents to participate in our public forums, where we discuss the importance of freedom of expression and the shared responsibility of protecting our democratic values in digital and physical spaces.
You can reach the Commission our main office at Britam Towers, 17th Floor, Hospital Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi. You may also contact us via the main NCIC telephone: 020-2585702 WhatsApp: 0702-777000 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by visiting www.cohesion.go.ke Social media (NCIC_kenya) and X/Twitter (@NCIC_Kenya). NCIC Tiktok; Instagram; LinkedIN
