By Joshua Otieno | April 23, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — The government has renewed its focus on youth empowerment, employment, and representation during the 25th episode of the Sema na Spox – Bonga na Gava podcast held at Harambee Annex.
The session, hosted by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, featured Gloria Wawira, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council, who outlined key initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment and reviving the council’s electoral processes.
Wawira described the Council as a critical platform for amplifying youth voices and linking young people with opportunities across government, private sector, and civil society. She noted that its mandate is anchored in Article 55 of the Constitution of Kenya, which obligates the state to ensure youth participation in political, social, and economic spheres.
On employment, she highlighted programmes such as Kazi Majuu, which connects Kenyan youth to job opportunities abroad. To improve access to such opportunities, the Council has introduced the Youth Passport, a compact guide distributed during outreach activities to help young people easily navigate funding, training, and employment options.
A major focus of the discussion was the long-awaited 2026 National Youth Council elections, aimed at reactivating the body after years of inactivity since the last cohort’s term ended in 2019. Wawira confirmed that a National Steering Committee has already been constituted and election dates formally gazetted.
She revealed that the Council, at full capacity, represents about 8,700 youth nationwide, with six representatives per ward under a strict gender parity framework.
Calling the elections a “critical milestone,” Wawira urged young people across the country to participate actively. She noted that the process may adopt a hybrid model—combining physical and digital voting—with support from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to ensure transparency and credibility.
On eligibility, she explained that any Kenyan aged between 18 and 35 can register as a voter through an online or hybrid system. Aspiring candidates must be at least 18 years old, be Kenyan citizens, and secure nomination support from at least 50 individuals within their ward. Additional requirements include submission of nomination forms—either digitally or physically—a letter from a local chief, and a minimum of a high school certificate.
The discussion underscored the government’s broader agenda to empower youth through structured participation, skills development, and access to economic opportunities, positioning the upcoming elections as a key step in strengthening youth representation nationwide.
