Political Ringside has once again brought an important national conversation to the forefront by focusing on youth leadership and participation in governance.
In a recent episode hosted by Kevin Waswa, the discussion centered on the upcoming National Youth Council elections scheduled for July 2026 and what they could mean for millions of young Kenyans.
Joined by youth leader and former student leader Soita Wafula, the program explored why these elections matter and why young people should pay close attention to a process that could significantly influence their future.
The discussion highlighted the history of the National Youth Council, a state agency established in 2009 to provide young people with a formal platform to engage with government and contribute to national policy discussions.
The council was formed during a period when Kenya was working to rebuild unity and strengthen public participation following the 2007 post-election violence.
At the time, there was growing recognition that young people needed a structured avenue through which they could express their concerns and contribute to decision-making processes.
For many years, however, the council has remained largely inactive. The last elections were held in 2012, leaving the institution dormant for about fourteen years. The planned elections in July 2026 therefore represent more than just another political exercise.
They are being viewed as an opportunity to revive a body that was specifically created to champion youth interests and ensure that young people have a voice in national affairs.
The renewed attention surrounding the council has also been linked to recent events that have demonstrated the desire among young Kenyans to play a more active role in governance and public accountability.
During the conversation, Soita Wafula shared his perspective on why the elections are important. Drawing from his experience as a former student leader and his current work in design innovation and systems thinking, he explained that many young people often feel their involvement in politics ends after elections.
They are frequently mobilized to vote but rarely included in the conversations and decisions that shape policies affecting their lives.
According to him, the National Youth Council can help change this by serving as a bridge between government institutions and the youth population.
The election process itself has been designed to begin at the grassroots level. On July 5, elections will take place in 1,450 wards across the country. Candidates seeking to participate must secure at least 50 nominations from their wards.
Each ward will elect six delegates, creating a pool of approximately 8,700 representatives.
These delegates will then move to the next stage on July 16, where constituency-level elections will be held across 290 constituencies. From this process, 580 members of the National Youth Congress will be selected.
The final phase will take place on July 27 when the 580 members of the National Youth Congress elect eight members of the National Youth Council together with the council chairperson.
This structure is intended to ensure that leadership emerges from the grassroots and reflects the interests and concerns of young people from different parts of the country.
A major theme throughout the discussion was the importance of meaningful representation. Kenya has a large youth population, and many of the country’s opportunities and challenges directly affect young people.
Issues such as unemployment, access to education, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion continue to dominate conversations among the youth. Soita argued that a strong and active council could help push for practical solutions while ensuring that youth concerns are reflected in policy discussions.
The conversation also touched on the opportunities available in the digital and creative economy.
As technology continues to transform industries around the world, young Kenyans are finding new ways to innovate, create businesses, and earn a living.
Soita noted that with the right support and policies, Kenya’s youth can compete successfully both regionally and globally. He emphasized that technology has created opportunities that previous generations did not have, making it possible for young people to build careers and businesses beyond traditional employment structures.
Another important point raised during the discussion was the need for active civic engagement.
According to Soita, leadership is not simply about holding positions or titles. It is about serving communities, identifying challenges, and helping develop solutions that improve people’s lives.
He encouraged young people to move beyond complaints and become active participants in shaping the future they want to see.
The conversation on Political Ringside ultimately served as a reminder that the National Youth Council elections are about more than selecting leaders. They represent an opportunity for young Kenyans to strengthen their voice in governance and contribute directly to national development.
Whether as students, entrepreneurs, professionals, or community organizers, young people have a chance to participate in a process that could influence policies and priorities for years to come.
