The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) have signed a new partnership aimed at boosting youth employment in Kenya, marking a significant step in efforts to tackle rising joblessness among young people.
The agreement, under the NextGen.Ke Youth Employment Programme, will see over 1,000 youth trainees onboarded in the next three years, supported by a KSh 75 million investment to drive implementation.
The programme focuses on creating practical, market-driven pathways into employment by linking young graduates directly with industry opportunities.
Through structured 12-month placements, participants will gain hands-on experience across key sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, construction, ICT, energy, and services.
By reducing hiring costs through stipends, employers are incentivized to train and mentor young workers while building a pipeline of skilled talent.
According to UNDP Kenya Resident representative Jean-Luc Stalon, the initiative presents a scalable solution to one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
He noted that the programme combines strong government backing with private sector engagement, ensuring that youth are equipped with skills that align with market demands.
Kenya continues to grapple with high youth unemployment, with nearly one million young people entering the labour market each year, yet only about a quarter securing formal jobs.
The situation is more severe in marginalized regions, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where limited access to services and economic opportunities continues to widen inequality.
The initiative is jointly led by the government, through the National Treasury and Economic Planning, in collaboration with UNDP and private sector stakeholders, including the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
It is aligned with national frameworks such as Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, both of which prioritize job creation and inclusive economic growth.
CRBC Kenya Director Yu Xiaodong said the partnership reflects a commitment to long-term socio-economic transformation through investment in youth skills development.
Over the next three years, the programme is expected to benefit more than 15,000 university and college graduates, offering them the experience needed to transition into permanent employment.
The partnership signals a growing shift toward coordinated action between government, development partners, and the private sector, as stakeholders seek sustainable solutions to bridge the gap between education and employment in Kenya.
