The government has officially announced timelines for the upcoming National Youth Council (NYC) elections, scheduled for July 2026.
In a gazette notice dated April 17, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, stated that ward-level elections will kick off on July 5, followed by constituency-level polls starting July 16.
“It is notified to the general public that pursuant to Regulation 19 (3) of the National Youth Council (Election of Certain Council Members) Regulations, 2021, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has designated the following dates to be the dates for the National Youth Council Elections,” read part of the notice.
The process will culminate in the National Youth Congress elections beginning July 27.
NYC elections are being conducted under the provisions of the National Youth Council Act and its 2021 regulations, which guide the selection of youth representatives to the council.
NYC Election Process
The National Youth Council (NYC) electoral process begins at the ward level, where candidates contest within their respective local wards. From this stage, six elected representatives advance to the next level.
At the constituency level, two representatives from each ward compete for higher representation, narrowing the pool of candidates.
Successful candidates then move to the National Youth Congress, where 580 elected constituency representatives take part in elections to determine those who will represent the wider youth population.
Finally, the National Youth Congress elections select eight members to serve on the National Youth Council. In addition, the Congress elects eight members from among its own membership to serve on the council.
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Who is Eligible?
Any Kenyan youth with a valid national ID is eligible to participate in the National Youth Council (NYC) elections.
To qualify, one must have at least a KCSE certificate, and there are no charges required to take part in the process.
To vote, an individual must first be registered as a voter, and registration is open to all Kenyan youth.
Those interested in vying for positions do not need to belong to any political party.
However, an aspirant must be a registered youth and must be nominated by at least 50 other registered youth.
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How Do You Get Nominated?
An aspirant for the position of ward delegate must be nominated by at least 50 registered voters.
A youth aspiring for the position of constituency delegate must be proposed by at least one ward delegate and seconded by at least one other ward delegate.
For the position of National Youth Congress delegate, an aspirant must be proposed by at least one constituency delegate and seconded by at least one other constituency delegate.
To vie for the position of member of the National Youth Council, an aspirant must be proposed by at least one National Youth Congress delegate and seconded by at least one other National Youth Congress delegate.
The following documents are needed before you get nominated:
- A Kenyan citizen aged at least 18 years old and aged below 35 years of age as at 31st December of the election year.
- In possession of a birth certificate.
- Minimum qualification of a high school or secondary level certificate.
- In possession of a recommendation letter issued by the Assistant Chief, Area Chief, or National Police Service at the ward where she or he is registered as a voter. (no more than three months old on the presentation date)
- A registered voter
- Complied with the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
