President William Ruto has announced that public servants who mentor young people participating in the President’s Award Scheme will now be considered for promotion as part of their service to the nation.
Speaking during the Gold Award Presentation ceremony under the President’s Award Programme–Kenya (PA-K) at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, President Ruto said the government will recognise the role played by mentors, including teachers and public servants, in guiding young people through the programme.
There were a total of 1,252 awardees who demonstrated sustained resilience, commitment and leadership, qualifying for the Gold prize.
“We committed that we are going to look out for the gold awardees as we rationalise opportunities for those who want to work in the public service. We are also going to consider the mentors of these young people, whether they are teachers or public servants, in their promotion and in their service to the nation,” the President said.
Currently, promotions in the public service are based on performance appraisals, merit and length of service, with officers assessed annually and recommendations forwarded to the Public Service Commission for approval. Senior and managerial positions are filled through competitive processes that require professional training and strict eligibility criteria, while government policies such as affirmative action may also influence promotion decisions.
The President’s Award Scheme targets young people aged between 14 and 24 years and offers structured programmes in community service, skills development, physical recreation and adventurous challenges.
Participants are required to complete activities under four core sections, Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey alongside a residential project.
Upon completion, participants receive gold, silver or bronze awards, which are recognised both nationally and internationally.
Beyond linking mentorship to career progression, President Ruto directed the Head of Public Service to secure new office space for the Presidential Award Agency, its former premises were allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He also instructed the National Treasury to increase the agency’s budget in the next financial year to support wider youth outreach and called for the recruitment of additional staff to match the growing number of participants.
Oversight of the recruitment process will be undertaken through the Public Service Commission under the supervision of the Cabinet Secretary for Sports.
The directives are aimed at strengthening the administration of the President’s Award Scheme and expanding opportunities for young people across the country.
By Obegi Malack
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