By Alfred Mataza | July 24, 2026
President William Ruto has officially launched the Next Generation of Kenya Youth Employment Programme (NextGenKE) at State House, Nairobi, unveiling a KSh2 billion initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities and equipping thousands of young Kenyans with market-ready skills.
The programme, which is being implemented through a partnership between the Government of Kenya, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment by connecting young people with internship and workplace opportunities in the private sector.
Speaking during the launch, President Ruto said the initiative places young people at the centre of Kenya’s economic transformation, noting that the government remains committed to creating sustainable employment opportunities and nurturing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Head of State announced that the government has committed KSh2 billion towards the programme, which will initially support more than 30,000 young Kenyans in its first phase before expanding to reach 100,000 beneficiaries over the next three years.
According to the President, the programme forms part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment by strengthening partnerships with the private sector and development organizations.
He noted that many young graduates possess academic qualifications but often struggle to secure employment due to limited workplace experience, adding that the new initiative is designed to address this challenge through structured internships and practical training.
Under the programme, successful applicants will be placed in various private sector institutions where they will gain hands-on experience while developing professional competencies required in today’s competitive labour market.
The initiative will also provide participants with comprehensive workplace readiness training, equipping them with essential skills such as professional communication, teamwork, workplace ethics, problem-solving and career development.
In addition to internship opportunities, beneficiaries will undergo financial literacy training aimed at helping them manage personal finances, develop saving habits and make informed investment decisions.
Participants will also receive entrepreneurship training to enable them establish and grow businesses, creating additional employment opportunities beyond formal jobs.
The curriculum further includes life skills development, focusing on leadership, resilience, confidence building and adaptability to prepare young people for the evolving global job market.
President Ruto emphasized that empowering the youth remains one of his administration’s key priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), describing young people as the country’s greatest resource for economic growth and innovation.
He called upon the private sector to actively participate in the programme by opening up internship opportunities and mentoring young professionals as they transition into the workforce.
The President noted that collaboration between government and businesses is essential in addressing unemployment and ensuring that graduates acquire the practical experience needed by employers.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), one of the programme’s implementing partners, pledged continued support in promoting youth employment, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
Similarly, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) committed to mobilizing companies across different industries to host interns and provide mentorship opportunities that will enhance the employability of participating youth.
The programme is expected to benefit graduates from universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, and other qualified young professionals seeking to enter the labour market.
Government officials urged interested applicants to prepare the necessary documents, including national identification cards, academic certificates and transcripts, ahead of the official opening of the application portal.
Prospective participants have also been encouraged to monitor announcements through official government, KEPSA and UNDP communication platforms for updates on eligibility criteria, application procedures and programme timelines.
Employers interested in participating in the initiative have been advised to register their interest through KEPSA to facilitate placement of interns within their organizations.
The launch of the Next Generation of Kenya Youth Employment Programme marks another step in the government’s efforts to address unemployment, enhance youth skills development and strengthen collaboration with the private sector in creating sustainable employment opportunities for Kenya’s growing youthful population.
