The National Youth Council Delegates’ Forum, representing more than 1,400 aspirants, has called for the immediate resumption of the council’s elections, urging the High Court to lift orders suspending the electoral process, which was scheduled to begin on October 9, 2026.
In a press statement dated October 12, 2026, the forum, led by chairperson Brian Wambura Keter, expressed frustration over the suspension, arguing that the prolonged absence of elected leadership has denied young people a formal platform to advance their interests.
The elections had been scheduled to commence under Gazette Notice No. 10421 of July 10, 2026, before being halted following a court petition in the case of Emelda Kwamboka v. Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports & Others.
The aspirants questioned whether suspending the entire national electoral process was a proportionate response to the issues raised in court, particularly where some of the concerns had previously been addressed through court directives issued on September 19.
“Fourteen years without elections is long enough. Young people cannot be condemned to another indefinite wait,” the statement reads.
The forum said it intended to seek joinder in the ongoing court proceedings as an interested party to challenge the conservatory orders and support the lawful continuation of the elections.
It also raised concerns over what it described as possible institutional failures and deliberate obstruction of the electoral process, calling for the issues to be investigated rather than ignored.
The aspirants further urged the National Steering Committee and the Ministry of Youth Affairs to convene an urgent consultative meeting with candidates to agree on a clear, time-bound roadmap for resolving outstanding issues and concluding the elections.
Beyond the electoral dispute, the forum outlined a broader reform agenda aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people and strengthening their participation in national development.
Among its proposals is an amendment to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act to increase access to government procurement opportunities for youth-owned enterprises.
The group also called for legal protection of digital content creators’ earnings through dedicated legislation, alongside increased budgetary allocations for youth and special interest groups to 2.5 per cent, in line with its interpretation of Vision 2030 priorities.
The aspirants said tax incentives for youth-owned businesses were also necessary to support entrepreneurship, expand economic participation and create opportunities for young people.
The forum called on Principal Secretary Fikirini to take decisive action to facilitate a resolution, including lawful negotiations with petitioners where appropriate, to avoid prolonged delays.
“The future of millions of young people cannot remain hostage to institutional inertia, political expediency or endless litigation,” the statement reads.
The group said it would announce further lawful actions in the coming days and urged young people to support efforts to establish a National Youth Council that is democratic, accountable and responsive to their aspirations.
