Two Kenyans have petitioned the National Assembly to compel the National Youth Council (NYC) to conduct elections for council members, as stipulated by law.
In their petition, Anthony Manyara and John Wangai argue that Legal Notice No. 183 of 2021 was put in place to establish regulations for the election of certain members of the NYC.
This regulations, the petitioners posit, are intended to ensure transparent, fair and democratic elections.
While acknowledging that regular elections are crucial for maintaining the legitimacy and accountability of the council, Manyara and Wangai rue that NYC has not conducted the required elections.
“…despite the enactment of the regulations in 2021, the National Youth Council has failed to conduct the required elections. This inaction has led to a lack of proper representation for the youth,” the petitioners argue.
The duo claims that efforts to address the issue — by way of written requests, meetings and appeals — with the council and other relevant bodies have been met with unsatisfactory responses.
The continued delay in conducting elections, they say, denies the youth their right to representation and participation in national development.
‘It undermines the democratic process and the council’s credibility. The National Youth Council’s failure to conduct elections reflects a lack of accountability and transparency, which are fundamental principles of good governance,” the petition reads in part.
The petitioners are seeking the following orders;
- Compel the National Youth Council to conduct the elections for the
council members as required by the Legal Notice No. 183 of 2021; - Ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and
timely manner to uphold the rights and representation of the youth; - Establish a mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the
election process to ensure compliance; and - Offer necessary support to the National Youth Council to address
any logistical or administrative challenges that may hinder the
election process.
