A forum representing National Youth Council (NYC) election aspirants has moved to the High Court in Kiambu seeking the lifting of orders suspending the long-awaited council elections, saying young Kenyans cannot be subjected to another indefinite wait for representation.
In a Notice of Motion filed in the Constitutional and Human Rights Division, the National Youth Council Aspirants Forum seeks to be enjoined as an interested party in a petition filed by Emelda Kwamboka against the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and others in Petition No. HCCHRPET/E105 of 2026.
The petition led to conservatory orders suspending the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 10421, dated July 10, 2026, under which the NYC elections were scheduled to begin on October 9, 2026.
The aspirants are asking the court to review, vary or discharge the orders, or alternatively issue directions for a lawful, transparent, inclusive and time-bound resumption of the electoral process.
In their application, the forum argues that its members are directly affected by the suspension after investing considerable time, resources and effort in preparing for the elections.
The group wants the court to address disputed issues, including voter education, inclusion of persons with disabilities and marginalised groups, election steering committees and publication of the voters register, rather than halting the entire process.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, which represents more than 1,400 aspirants, chairman Hon. Wambura Keter Brian said young people had waited too long for representation.
“Fourteen years without elections is long enough. Young people cannot be condemned to another indefinite wait. We respect the authority of the courts, but we question whether suspending an entire national electoral process is a proportionate response,” Keter said.
“Our message is simple: resolve the disputes, respect the law, and let the elections proceed. Kenya’s youth have waited long enough,” he added.
Keter called on the National Steering Committee and the Ministry to convene an urgent consultative meeting with aspirants to agree on a clear roadmap for concluding the elections.
He also urged the government to introduce economic reforms to improve opportunities for young people, including expanded access to government procurement, legal protection for digital content creators’ earnings and increased budgetary allocations for youth programmes to 2.5 per cent in line with Vision 2030.
Additionally, he called for tax incentives for youth-owned enterprises to support entrepreneurship, job creation and economic participation.
The National Youth Council is a state corporation established under the National Youth Council Act, 2009. Its mandate includes coordinating youth organisations, advising the government on youth affairs and promoting young people’s participation in national development.
The council also seeks to safeguard and advance the interests of Kenyan youth across economic, social and civic life.
The matter remains pending before the High Court in Kiambu.
By Kipkorir Felix and Grace Naishoo
