The National Youth Council (NYC) is preparing for a major revival ahead of its 2026 elections, with its Chief Executive Officer, Gloria Wawira, outlining a renewed focus on youth representation and employment opportunities across the country.
Speaking during a recent interview, Wawira emphasised that the Council’s core mandate is to ensure young people are actively involved in decision-making processes while also connecting them to economic opportunities.
“The Council is fully committed to ensuring that young people have a seat at the table in decision-making processes,” she said.
“We are also focused on sharing opportunities and acting as a bridge between young people and platforms that offer work.”
She pointed to the government’s Kazi Majuu programme as a key initiative aimed at linking Kenyan youth to job opportunities abroad. However, she noted that access to such programmes remains a challenge for many.
“Many young people do not know how to access Kazi Majuu or where to find the right information. That is where the Council comes in, through our social platforms and tools like the Youth Passport, we simplify access to these opportunities,” Wawira explained.
The Youth Passport, she added, is a compact document designed to provide young people with a quick reference to available opportunities.
“It is about the size of a Kenyan passport and summarises funding, skills development, and job opportunities. A young person can simply open the relevant section and find what they need,” she said.
Wawira also confirmed that preparations for the 2026 NYC elections are underway, marking a significant step after years of inactivity. At full capacity, the Council is expected to represent 8,700 youths, with six representatives drawn from each ward under a strict gender parity framework.
Despite this structure, the Council has remained dormant since the initial cohort elected in 2012 completed its extended term in 2019.
To address this gap, Wawira said that the National Steering Committee has been formed to coordinate the upcoming elections. The committee was officially appointed on Friday, April 17, and election dates have since been formally gazetted.
Describing the upcoming elections as a turning point, Wawira urged young people across the country to actively participate in the process.
“This is a significant milestone for the youth of this country. We are calling on young people to come out in large numbers, not just to vote, but to be part of shaping the leadership that represents them,” she said.
She revealed that the Steering Committee is considering multiple voting approaches, including physical and hybrid systems, in line with the National Youth Council Elections Regulations of 2021.
“We are working closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to ensure the process is transparent and credible,” she noted.
The committee brings together representatives from key government institutions, including the State Department for Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
Wawira clarified the eligibility criteria for both voters and candidates in the upcoming elections.
“Any Kenyan aged between 18 and 35 years is eligible to vote, provided they register through the designated process, which may be online or hybrid,” she said.
For aspiring candidates, she outlined clear requirements: “One must be at least 18 years old, a Kenyan citizen, and must be nominated by at least 50 people from their ward.”
She added that nomination forms will be accessible both online and physically, and must be submitted alongside a letter of introduction from a local chief.
“A minimum of a high school certificate is required to qualify,” Wawira stated.
With the reactivation of the Council and the planned elections, NYC is positioning itself as a key player in tackling youth unemployment and amplifying youth voices.
“Our goal is simple,” Wawira concluded. “We want to empower young people with information, opportunities, and a platform to influence decisions that affect their future.”
