A new youth employment initiative in Kenya will provide training and job placements for 1,000 graduates through a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The programme, part of the NextGen.Ke Youth Employment Programme, is designed to bridge the gap between education and work by equipping young people with practical skills and linking them directly to private sector opportunities.
The initiative will offer training in areas such as artificial intelligence, leadership, management, and professional development, alongside hands-on work experience within participating companies. Each cohort will run for at least one year, during which participants will also receive stipends while gaining workplace exposure and skills.
CRBC has become the first private sector partner in the programme, committing KSh 75 million and providing placements for 1,000 youths within its operations. Over a three-year period, the initiative aims to reach more than 15,000 university and college graduates through structured 12-month placements, with the goal of improving long-term employability and transition into permanent jobs.
UNDP Kenya emphasized that the programme is intended to address youth unemployment by strengthening skills development and expanding access to private sector opportunities. CRBC also highlighted its commitment to supporting Kenya’s development priorities through investment in human capital and job creation.
The programme targets graduates from a wide range of fields including science, engineering, law, and business. Officials noted that the initiative could scale significantly if additional private sector partners join, with potential to benefit up to 20,000 young people in the future.
