Political Ringside recently turned its attention to an issue that could have a major impact on the future of Kenya’s youth. In a discussion hosted by Kevin Waswa, youth leader and former University of Nairobi student leader Soita Wafula shared his views on the upcoming National Youth Council elections and why young people should take them seriously.
The conversation highlighted the importance of youth participation in governance and showed why the July 2026 elections could become a significant moment for young Kenyans across the country.
The National Youth Council was established in 2009 following a period of major political changes in Kenya. After the 2007 post-election violence and the formation of the Grand Coalition Government in 2008, there was a growing call for mechanisms that would allow young people to engage more directly with government.
Many young Kenyans felt that their voices were not being heard despite making up a large percentage of the country’s population.
The council was created to bridge that gap and provide a platform through which youth could contribute to national discussions and policy development.
According to the discussion, the upcoming elections will be the first in about 14 years, with the last ones having been held in 2012. The process has been structured into three stages that will take place throughout July 2026.
The first stage will occur on July 5, when elections will be conducted in 1,450 wards across the country. Each ward will elect six delegates, resulting in approximately 8,700 delegates nationwide. Individuals interested in contesting must first secure at least 50 nominations from people within their ward.
The second stage will take place on July 16. During this phase, the elected delegates will choose 580 members of the National Youth Congress from Kenya’s 290 constituencies.
The final stage is scheduled for July 27, when members of the congress will elect eight leaders to serve in the National Youth Council, including the chairperson.
Wafula noted that the elections provide a rare opportunity for young people to influence decisions that affect their lives. He pointed out that issues such as unemployment, access to skills training, entrepreneurship, and opportunities in the digital and creative economy remain major concerns among young people. Through effective representation, the council can help ensure that these concerns are considered in government planning and policy making.
The discussion also reflected on the growing influence of young people in national affairs. Recent events, including the 2024 youth-led protests, demonstrated that Kenyan youth are increasingly willing to engage in conversations about governance and accountability.
While public demonstrations can draw attention to issues, Wafula argued that strong institutions are equally important in creating lasting change.
He encouraged young people to move beyond expressing frustrations and actively participate in structures that allow them to shape decisions from within.
He further emphasized that young people possess valuable skills, creativity, and knowledge that can contribute to Kenya’s development.
As technology continues to create new economic opportunities, youth have the potential to drive innovation, expand businesses, and create employment opportunities.
However, achieving these goals requires representation and involvement in decision-making processes.
Wafula urged young Kenyans to familiarize themselves with the election requirements, visit the official registration portal, and consider offering themselves for leadership positions.
He stressed that meaningful change requires participation and commitment from those who want to see improvements in their communities and the country at large.
The National Youth Council elections are more than just a leadership contest. They present an opportunity for young people to strengthen their voice in governance and contribute to solutions for challenges facing their generation. With millions of young people making up a significant portion of Kenya’s population, the elections offer a chance to transform their numbers into meaningful representation and influence. Whether as voters, delegates, or candidates, youth participation in the July process could play an important role in shaping the country’s future and ensuring that the concerns of young people remain part of the national agenda.
