STATE HOUSE,NAIROBI,July 2026 President William Ruto on Friday officially launched the Next Generation Kenya Youth Employment Programme, a Sh2 billion government initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment for young people.
The programme, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme Kenya and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, targets 30,000 youth in its first phase and will be scaled up to 100,000 beneficiaries over the next three years.
Speaking at State House Nairobi, President Ruto said the investment places young people at the center of the country’s development agenda.
“This recognises that their talent and determination are the foundation upon which we are building a stronger, more prosperous nation,” Ruto said.
The NextGenKE programme will provide structured private sector internships combined with training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, life skills and workplace readiness.
The government’s commitment, the President noted, is “more than a financial investment; it is a declaration of confidence in the limitless potential of Kenya’s young people and in the future of our nation.”
Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury John Mbadi and UNDP Kenya Resident Representative Jean-Loc Stalon signed the landmark agreement formalizing the government’s Sh2 billion investment. The programme will be implemented by UNDP.
Ruto called on development partners and the private sector to “crowd in investment” to help scale the programme. He announced an additional government commitment of Sh5 billion next year to reach over 100,000 youth.
“We commend private sector partners for joining us in this shared national endeavour, and encourage more employers to open their workplaces, share their expertise and mentor the next generation of Kenyan professionals,” the President said.
According to UNDP’s Stalon, the initiative heralds a new model of development financing where the government leads by investing in national priorities, with partners supporting delivery and scale.
“This investment by the Government of Kenya reflects a new era of development cooperation,” Stalon said. “We thank the Government for its trust and are committed to delivering results for Kenya’s youth.”
The launch comes as the government intensifies efforts to tackle youth unemployment through industry-driven placements, workplace experience and professional mentorship.
