The 2026 National Youth Council (NYC) elections have been suspended after the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports was served with a court order stopping the implementation of the gazette notice that set the dates for the polls.
In a statement on October 8, the ministry said the High Court at Kiambu had issued an order staying the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 10421, through which the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports gazetted the 2026 NYC elections.
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports wishes to inform the public that it has been served with a court order issued by the High Court at Kiambu, staying the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 10421, through which the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports gazetted the 2026 National Youth Council (NYC) Elections,” stated the Ministry.
NYC Elections Suspended Days Before Voting
In compliance with the court order, the elections will not proceed on the previously gazetted dates pending further directions or determination by the court.
The process was scheduled in phases, which included ward-level elections on October 9, constituency-level elections on October 16, and national-level elections on October 30.
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The suspension comes a day before voting was due to begin, leaving registered voters, aspirants, and other youth stakeholders awaiting further communication on the next steps.
Designed as a multi-tier exercise, the elections were to start at the ward level before progressing to the constituency and national levels.
The ministry said it remained committed to conducting the electoral process in accordance with the law and assured stakeholders that it would comply with the court order.
“The Ministry assures all registered voters, aspirants, youth stakeholders, partners, and the general public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the applicable legal framework,” said the Ministry.
Despite the suspension of the elections, the ministry said voter education and public sensitization activities would continue as the matter awaits further directions from the court.
“In the interim, voter education and public sensitization activities will continue. Relevant information and updates can be accessed through the official National Youth Council website and social media platforms,” said the Ministry.
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Court Petition Raised Questions Over Voter Awareness, Inclusivity
The suspension followed a petition filed in the Kiambu High Court that challenged aspects of the NYC electoral process.
According to court documents, the petitioner raised concerns about the level of civic education and public awareness ahead of the elections, arguing that young people were not adequately informed about the electoral process, timelines, and their role in the polls.
The petitioner further argued that voter awareness efforts had relied heavily on online platforms, raising concerns about whether young people in rural areas with limited access to digital platforms, as well as persons living with disabilities, had been adequately reached.
It also questioned the preparedness of the electoral process, with the petitioner alleging that Election Steering Committees required to coordinate the elections had not been established across all 290 constituencies.
The petitioner also raised concerns about communication on election timelines, electoral structures and procedures, and the management of public resources associated with the exercise.
According to the petition, the issues raised could affect compliance with constitutional principles on public participation, equality and non-discrimination.
The petitioner challenged whether the authorities took adequate steps to ensure eligible young Kenyans were sufficiently informed and able to participate in the electoral process.
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