Youth Council elections portal launched as govt moves to revive body after 14 years

The Kenyan government has introduced an online portal to streamline the registration and nomination process for the upcoming National Youth Council elections, with the aim of boosting youth involvement and representation in the country's political landscape. Fikirini Jacobs, the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, unveiled the portal (elections.nyckenya.go.ke) during a consultative gathering at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, involving key stakeholders including County Commissioners, Youth Affairs officials, Regional Youth Coordinators, and County Youth Directors.

The announcement, made on August 27, 2026, marked a significant step towards rejuvenating the National Youth Council, which had been dormant for 14 years. Jacobs emphasized the historic significance of the upcoming electoral process, stating that it presents a unique opportunity to restore the Council as a robust platform for youth representation, leadership, and meaningful engagement in national affairs.

Jacobs urged a collaborative effort between national and county government officials to ensure the electoral process remains credible, inclusive, and transparent. He discouraged segmentation of young people into factions based on national and county government lines, stressing that the government's duty is to serve all young Kenyans equally. "There is no 'National Government youth' or 'County Government youth.' There are simply young Kenyans whom we are entrusted to serve," he affirmed.

The portal's launch is anticipated to simplify the electoral process by enabling eligible youth to register as voters and submit their nominations digitally. The government now intends to ramp up public awareness campaigns and coordinate efforts at both county and regional levels to prepare for the National Youth Council elections.