The Government has officially launched preparations for the long-awaited National Youth Council (NYC) elections, marking a significant milestone in youth governance and participation after a 13-year delay.
Speaking during a press briefing at the State Department for Youth Affairs and Communities, Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs confirmed that the Ministry had received formal authorization from the Cabinet Secretary to begin the electoral process. This will be the first NYC election since 2012.
“We have now received formal communication from the Cabinet Secretary, granting authority to conduct the NYC elections. This gives us the go-ahead to begin structured, inclusive, and transparent preparations,” said Jacobs.
The NYC, established under the National Youth Council Act, serves as the official body representing the interests of Kenyan youth. The last Council’s term expired in 2019, and attempts to revive the elections had previously been delayed by political and legislative hurdles, including the 2022 General Election and a rejected 2023 bill that sought to replace elections with an appointment model.
Jacobs emphasized that the upcoming elections are a crucial step in fulfilling the constitutional mandate under Article 55, which guarantees the youth the right to participate in political processes. He outlined a four-phase election structure, starting at the ward level, where 8,700 delegates (six per ward) will be elected nationwide.
These delegates will then elect 580 constituency representatives (one male and one female per constituency), who will ultimately vote for eight NYC Council members during a National Youth Congress. The Cabinet Secretary will nominate an additional eight members, while the Congress will appoint 31 substitutes to ensure leadership continuity.
To qualify, candidates must be under 35 years of age by December 31 of the election year, have a secondary school certificate, meet integrity standards under Chapter Six of the Constitution, and provide police clearance or a recommendation letter from the local Chief.
Jacobs stressed the importance of civic education to boost awareness and participation and noted that official election dates would be gazetted soon. He urged youth to seize the historic opportunity.
“I was in Form Two when the last NYC elections were held in 2012. That means most youth today have never experienced this process. This is your time to show up, to vote, to lead,” he said.
The PS also appealed to development partners for financial and logistical support and thanked President William Ruto for backing the initiative and approving the Ministry’s budget.
The upcoming NYC elections are expected to transform youth representation in Kenya, empowering a new generation to take active roles in governance and national development.
Written By Rodney Mbua
