The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a new employment initiative that will provide 500 paid placements for young Kenyan graduates as part of efforts to address youth unemployment and strengthen links between education and the labour market.
Speaking during a television interview, UNDP Kenya Resident Representative Dr. Jean-Luc Stalon announced that the organisation is finalising a digital platform that will facilitate applications, recruitment, and placement of successful candidates in private sector companies across the country.
The programme, dubbed NextGen, is expected to begin within the next two months through a pilot phase targeting at least 500 graduates.
According to Stalon, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace experience by connecting young professionals with companies willing to host and mentor emerging talent.
“We are in the final stages of developing the platform and expect to launch the pilot programme soon, starting with approximately 500 placements,” he said.
How the Programme Will Work
Graduates interested in participating will submit applications through a dedicated online portal. Successful applicants will then be matched with participating companies through a recruitment system being developed jointly by UNDP and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
The placements will run for one year, during which participants will gain practical work experience while receiving a monthly stipend ranging between KSh20,000 and KSh25,000.
UNDP says the financial support is intended to encourage companies to absorb young professionals while giving graduates an opportunity to build skills, gain exposure, and improve their chances of securing long-term employment.
Open to All Economic Sectors
The initiative will be open to employers from different sectors of the economy, with organisers seeking broad participation from businesses willing to support youth development.
Stalon noted that efforts are also being made to ensure fair representation of graduates from different regions of the country and to promote gender balance throughout the selection process.
Several corporate leaders have already expressed interest in participating by offering placement opportunities within their organisations, according to UNDP.
Addressing Youth Unemployment
The programme comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a major concern despite increasing numbers of graduates entering the labour market each year.
While Kenya continues to create jobs, many opportunities remain concentrated in the informal sector, leaving many graduates struggling to find formal employment that matches their qualifications.
Stalon pointed out that Kenya generated more than 800,000 jobs last year, but a significant share of them were informal positions. He emphasized the need for programmes that expand access to structured employment opportunities and help young people contribute more effectively to economic growth.
Building a Skilled Workforce
UNDP believes the NextGen programme will help young professionals gain valuable experience, strengthen their employability, and create a pipeline of skilled workers for Kenyan businesses.
If successful, the pilot phase could pave the way for a larger national rollout, offering thousands more graduates an opportunity to transition from the classroom to the workplace and build sustainable careers.
