Govt postpones National Youth Council elections
By Faith Lagat, July 3, 2026The government has postponed the National Youth Council (NYC) elections that were scheduled to take place between July 5 and July 26, 2026, citing the need to meet key legal and administrative requirements before the exercise can be conducted.
The announcement was made on Friday, July 3, 2026, in a statement issued by the National Steering Committee (NSC) on the National Youth Council Elections. The polls had been scheduled under Gazette Notice No. 5586 of April 17, 2026.
The committee said the decision followed consultations with the relevant authorities overseeing the elections and was aimed at safeguarding the integrity, credibility and orderly conduct of the process.
“The postponement is necessary to protect the integrity, credibility, fairness, and orderly conduct of the elections and ensure full compliance with the National Youth Council (Election of Certain Council Members) Regulations, 2021,” the statement read in part.
The elections have been postponed until further notice.
Statutory requirements
According to the committee, several mandatory requirements remain outstanding before the elections can be held.
These include conducting a nationwide voter education programme to ensure informed and inclusive youth participation in line with Regulation 21, facilitating voter and candidate registration under Regulations 15, 16 and 17, appointing and training election officials as required by Regulations 24 and 25, and acquiring and deploying an election management system under Regulations 33 and 34.
The NSC said completing these processes would help deliver an election that complies with the legal framework governing the National Youth Council elections.
It acknowledged the preparations already made by candidates, delegates, development partners and other stakeholders, saying it recognised the significance of the elections to young people across the country.
“While we regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this development may cause, we are confident that this measured approach is essential to reinforcing public trust and delivering an election that is beyond reproach,” the statement added.
Revised dates
The committee said it remains committed to conducting transparent, free, fair and inclusive elections in accordance with the law and principles of good governance.
It said new election dates will be announced through the Kenya Gazette and official communication channels of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, and the National Youth Council once preparations are complete.
The NSC also apologised for the disruption caused by the postponement and thanked stakeholders for their patience and support during the preparations.
The National Youth Council is a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency established under the National Youth Council Act, CAP 132. It is mandated to represent the interests of young people and promote youth participation in political, social, economic and other spheres of national development.
The elections are expected to constitute the Council’s leadership in accordance with the National Youth Council (Election of Certain Council Members) Regulations, 2021. Until fresh dates are announced, the Committee said it will continue working to complete the remaining legal and operational requirements necessary for the elections to proceed.