The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has suspended the 2026 National Youth Council (NYC) elections following a High Court order, disrupting a nationwide process intended to give young Kenyans elected representation after years without elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, the ministry said it had been served with a court order from the High Court in Kiambu staying the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 10421, which announced the election schedule.
The ministry confirmed that the elections would not proceed on the previously gazetted dates as the matter awaits further court directions or determination.
“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,” the statement read.
The ministry said it would announce fresh dates and provide further guidance once the court proceedings allow the electoral process to continue.
October Election Schedule Disrupted
The elections had been scheduled to take place in phases across the country, beginning at the ward level before progressing to constituency and national representation.
According to the gazette notice, ward-level elections were due on October 9, 2026, followed by constituency-level polls on October 16.
The process was then expected to culminate in the National Youth Congress on October 30, when 580 delegates elected from constituencies nationwide would convene to elect 16 national representatives.
The court order has put the scheduled activities on hold, leaving aspirants and registered voters awaiting further guidance from the ministry.
Voter Education to Continue Despite Suspension
Despite halting the elections, the ministry said voter education and sensitisation activities would continue as planned.
It also assured registered voters, aspirants, youth stakeholders and partners that it remained committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the elections comply with the applicable legal framework.
The ministry did not announce new election dates, saying further communication would follow depending on the court proceedings.
Youth Council Elections Delayed for Years
The National Youth Council is a state corporation established under the National Youth Council Act No. 10 of 2009 to represent the interests and concerns of young Kenyans.
However, the council has faced prolonged delays in electing its officials, with underfunding and legal disputes cited as obstacles to previous efforts to organise elections.
The October 2026 polls were expected to advance the process of establishing elected leadership for the council after years of waiting.
The latest court order has now interrupted that timetable, leaving the ministry to await further legal directions before determining when the elections can proceed.
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