The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has suspended the 2026 National Youth Council (NYC) elections that were scheduled to begin in October following a High Court order stopping the process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, the ministry confirmed that the elections would not proceed on the previously announced dates pending further directions from the court.
“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,” the ministry stated.
“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 elections had been scheduled to take place in phases across the country, beginning at the ward level before progressing to the constituency and national levels.
According to the Gazette Notice, ward elections were set for October 9, 2026, while constituency-level elections were scheduled for October 16.
Successful delegates were then expected to attend the National Youth Congress on October 30, where 580 representatives elected from constituencies across Kenya would gather to choose 16 national representatives.
Despite the suspension, the ministry indicated that voter education and sensitisation programmes would continue as planned.
It also assured registered voters, aspirants and other stakeholders that it would comply with the court order and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
“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,” the ministry stated.
The National Youth Council is a State Corporation established under the National Youth Council Act No. 10 of 2009 to represent and serve as the official voice of young Kenyans.
Since its establishment, the council has not conducted elections for its officials, with the ministry previously attributing the delay to inadequate funding and successive legal challenges surrounding attempts to organise the polls.
The October 2026 elections were therefore expected to end the long-standing wait for elected NYC officials. However, the latest court order has now put the process on hold, with new dates expected to be announced depending on the outcome or further directions of the court.
