Bill to create Nairobi Youth Council gains momentum ahead of assembly debate

Young people in Nairobi have welcomed a proposed law that seeks to establish an official county body to champion youth interests, saying it could significantly strengthen their voice in governance, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking during a public participation forum organized by the Nairobi City County Assembly on The Nairobi City County Youth Empowerment and Service Bill, 2026, participants said the proposed legislation comes at a critical time when many young people continue to face unemployment, limited business opportunities and inadequate representation in key decision-making processes.

The youth urged county leaders to prioritize entrepreneurship training, skills development and access to economic opportunities, arguing that empowering young people with practical business skills would go a long way in addressing unemployment and improving livelihoods.

They also called for greater youth involvement in political and governance processes, saying young people have for years been sidelined whenever critical decisions affecting their future are made.

They expressed hope that the proposed legislation would provide a structured platform for their voices to be heard at the county level.

The Bill's sponsor, Karura Ward MCA Thuo Fiunifiu, said the proposed law seeks to establish the Nairobi City County Youth Council as the official body responsible for coordinating and representing youth affairs across the county.

According to the legislator, the council will promote meaningful youth participation in county governance and decision-making, strengthen youth leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, and institutionalize volunteerism and community service programmes.

The proposed law also seeks to foster partnerships between the Nairobi County Government, the private sector, educational institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to advance youth development, while ensuring equitable representation of young people from all 85 wards, including marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Describing the proposal as a "game changer" for Nairobi's youth, Thuo urged all stakeholders to support the initiative and help turn it into reality.

"This body will transform how young people engage with county leadership and access opportunities. We are calling on all stakeholders to join hands and make this dream a reality," he said.

The Bill is expected to be tabled before the Nairobi City County Assembly in the coming weeks, where Members of the County Assembly will debate and vote on it. If passed, it will be forwarded to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for assent before becoming law.

The proposed legislation comes at a time when both the national and county governments are increasingly introducing policies aimed at enhancing youth participation in governance and public affairs.

The move is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen engagement with young people, who have consistently called for greater inclusion in leadership, policymaking and economic development initiatives.