NextGen.Ke: KEPSA and UNDP Offer 500 Paid Graduate Placements

Kenya's private sector and a leading United Nations agency joined forces on 19 June 2026 to launch NextGen.Ke, a structured youth employment programme offering 500 paid graduate placements in its pilot phase and targeting more than 15,000 young Kenyans by 2029. Unveiled at KEPSA's 22nd Annual General Meeting in Nairobi, the initiative signals a decisive shift from ad hoc internships toward a nationally coordinated talent pipeline backed by a Sh2 billion government allocation in the 2026/27 budget.

Programme Design and Launch Details

The pilot phase runs from July to December 2026, targeting 500 pre-screened graduates: 250 university degree holders, 150 diploma holders from TVET institutions, and 100 certificate-level completers. Each placement runs for 12 months and carries a monthly stipend calibrated to sector norms. Participating sectors include agribusiness, ICT, manufacturing, construction, energy, and professional services.

What Comes Next

KEPSA plans to open the NextGen.Ke online application portal by 5 July 2026. An independent evaluation team commissioned by UNDP will conduct a midterm review in October 2026 and a final assessment by February 2027.