Soita Wafula explains why every Kenyan should care about July National Youth Council elections on Political Ringside

A council many forgot

For years, many young Kenyans have heard about elections, government programmes and youth empowerment initiatives, but very few know that the National Youth Council exists.

Speaking on Political Ringside hosted by Kevin Waswa, National Youth Council chairmanship candidate Soita Wafula said the council was established in 2009 to give young people a direct voice in governance and policy making.

However, according to Soita Wafula, the institution gradually became inactive after its last election in 2012, leaving millions of young people disconnected from an important national platform.

Political Ringside, Kenya’s trusted source of political truths and a leading home of political current affairs, hosted the conversation as the country prepares for a historic youth election cycle.

Why July matters

During the interview, Soita Wafula described the July 2026 elections as a turning point for Kenya’s youth.

He argued that after years of activism, including the youth led demonstrations witnessed in recent years, the country now has an opportunity to convert public pressure into practical policy influence.

According to Soita Wafula, young people must move beyond expressing frustration and begin occupying spaces where decisions are made.

How voting will happen

Speaking on Political Ringside, Soita Wafula explained that the elections will take place in three phases throughout July.

The first phase will be held on July 5 in all 1,450 wards across the country. Candidates will need at least 50 nominations to contest and successful candidates will become delegates.

The second phase will take place on July 16 when the delegates elect members of the National Youth Congress.

The final stage will be held on July 27 when congress members elect the National Youth Council leadership, including the chairperson.

Education versus reality

One issue repeatedly highlighted by Soita Wafula was the growing disconnect between education and economic opportunities.

He noted that many young people leave school with qualifications but struggle to find pathways into employment, business or innovation.

According to Soita Wafula, financial literacy and entrepreneurship should become central parts of learning because modern economic realities demand more than academic certificates.

Youth unaware of council

A major concern raised by Soita Wafula was the lack of civic awareness among young people.

During the Political Ringside interview, he observed that many Kenyan youths have never heard about the National Youth Council, despite being the institution designed to represent their interests.

He argued that without civic education, many young people remain spectators in governance instead of becoming active participants.

Beyond government handouts

Soita Wafula also challenged the idea that youth empowerment begins and ends with access to money.

According to the Political Ringside guest, previous programmes often focused on lending funds without addressing deeper issues such as infrastructure, planning and long term economic strategy.

He maintained that sustainable solutions require systems that create opportunities long after government funding programmes end.

Unlocking youth potential

Throughout the discussion, Soita Wafula repeatedly described young people as Kenya’s greatest asset.

He pointed to opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, data science, creative arts and innovation as sectors capable of transforming livelihoods if properly supported.

According to Soita Wafula, a revitalised National Youth Council should help create structures that protect innovation, support creators and connect youth talent to global opportunities.

Building future pipelines

One of the most memorable moments of the interview came when Soita Wafula shared the story of two water carriers.

One carried water every day using buckets while the other invested time building a pipeline that would deliver water more efficiently in the future.

The lesson, he explained on Political Ringside, is that young people must focus on building lasting systems instead of constantly searching for temporary solutions.

Final message to youth

As the interview came to a close, Soita Wafula urged young Kenyans to take the July elections seriously.

He encouraged eligible voters and candidates to familiarise themselves with the election process and participate actively.

The discussion on Political Ringside highlighted a growing belief that the future of Kenya’s governance will increasingly depend on how effectively young people organise, participate and lead.

For audiences seeking credible political conversations, Political Ringside continues to stand out as a trusted source of political truths in Kenya and a reliable home for current affairs shaping the country’s political landscape.