Government has officially launched the process for long-overdue National Youth Council (NYC) elections, breaking a 13-year stalemate that left the country’s youth without formal representation. The announcement came from Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Fikirini Jacobs, who confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary has authorized the electoral process. The last NYC election was held in 2012. “We have received official clearance to conduct the NYC elections,” Jacobs said during a press briefing in Nairobi. “This marks the beginning of structured and transparent preparations.”
The National Youth Council, established under Cap. 132 of the Laws of Kenya, was created to give youth a platform in national governance. It consists of eight elected youth representatives and up to eight nominees appointed by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of youth affairs. Although the original council’s term was extended after the 2012 election, it expired in 2019. An attempt to change the electoral process through a 2023 amendment bill failed after being deemed unconstitutional. The bill proposed replacing elections with a selection system managed by County Youth Directors, which critics said violated Article 55 of the Constitution.
In response, the Ministry formed a National Steering Committee in November 2024 to plan the election and consult stakeholders. The Cabinet’s latest approval clears the way for full implementation.
PS Jacobs outlined a four-phase process that will guide the nationwide election. In the first stage, candidates must be nominated by at least 50 registered youth voters. Each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards will then elect six delegates three male and three female resulting in 8,700 ward-level representatives.
The second phase will see each of the 290 constituencies elect two youth delegates, one male and one female, creating a pool of 580 national-level voters. These delegates will attend the National Youth Congress, where eight council members will be elected. The Cabinet Secretary will then appoint an additional eight members, and the Congress will nominate 31 substitute members to help ensure leadership continuity.
Eligible candidates must be under the age of 35 as of December 31 of the election year, hold at least a secondary school certificate, and provide police clearance or a recommendation letter from their local Chief. All candidates must meet the integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution and include representation of youth with disabilities.
PS Jacobs said the Ministry would begin a civic education campaign to explain the election process to young voters and candidates. He also confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary will soon announce the official election dates through a public gazette notice. “Our focus now is on educating young people about their rights and roles in this process,” he said. “This election is not just about filling seats. It’s about empowering a generation.”
Reflecting on the delay, PS Jacobs said today’s youth have never seen the council in action. “I was in Form Two when the last NYC election happened. Most young people today have never had a chance to vote or lead in this space. This is their moment.” He urged development partners, government agencies, and private institutions to support the election process through funding and logistics. “We need all hands on deck to ensure this succeeds from civic education to polling,” he said.
PS Jacobs also thanked President William Ruto for approving the Ministry’s budget and standing behind the youth elections. “The President has shown leadership by backing this. These elections are about preparing ethical, visionary leaders for Kenya’s future.”
NYC CEO Gloria Wawira and National Steering Committee Chair George Marcel Osaso also attended the briefing, underscoring the administration’s renewed focus on youth participation in governance.
About the Author
