- Youths aged 18–35 have been urged to apply for the Government–UNDP–KEPSA internship programme, which is lauded as a landmark initiative to combat unemployment and provide workplace skills.
- The government has allocated Kshs 2 billion in the 2026–27 budget to benefit 30,000 youths with stipends of Kshs 20,000–25,000, with plans to expand to 100,000 participants and support 40,000 more through professional certification.
Youths in Bomet County have been urged to seize the new internship opportunities introduced under a partnership between the Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). The initiative has been described as a landmark programme designed to confront youth unemployment, equip graduates with practical workplace skills, and create pathways to long‑term job placements.
Speaking during a church service at Koiyet Catholic Parish in Mutarakwa Ward, Bomet Central Constituency, local professional Charles Korir emphasised that the programme reflects President William Ruto’s broader commitment to empowering young people through employment and skills development. He noted that the initiative is not only about creating jobs but also about raising living standards and giving young Kenyans a fair chance to thrive in the labour market.
The internship targets diploma, degree, master’s, and doctorate holders, as well as final‑year students in tertiary institutions seeking workplace exposure before securing permanent jobs. Eligible applicants aged between 18 and 35 years are encouraged to apply through the portal kenyanextgen.co.ke.
According to Korir, the government has allocated Kshs 2 billion in the 2026–27 budget to kick‑start the programme, which is expected to benefit about 30,000 young people drawn fairly from all 47 counties. Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend ranging between Kshs 20,000 and Kshs 25,000, enabling them to meet basic needs while gaining valuable professional experience.
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He noted that the recruitment process will be free, transparent, and strictly merit‑based. The Ruto administration intends to expand the programme over the next three years to accommodate more than 100,000 young people, giving graduates wider access to skills and workplace exposure.
Korir further highlighted government plans to support over 40,000 youth in acquiring professional and technical certification to enhance employability and competitiveness in the labour market. He urged skilled but uncertified vulnerable youth to apply for the expanded Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which will be administered by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA). The government has set aside funding to cover examination and administrative fees, with certification offered through TVETA‑accredited institutions.
Korir commended President Ruto for prioritising youth empowerment through employment, training, and economic initiatives. He appealed to residents to support the President’s development agenda, stressing that unity among Kenyans is essential for progress.
By Jeff Kirui
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