The government is set to significantly expand the President’s Award Scheme after President William Ruto directed the National Treasury to double funding for the programme in the 2026/27 financial year, citing its growing impact on youth development and mentorship across the country.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 21, at State House, Nairobi, during the presentation of Gold Awards to outstanding participants, President Ruto said increased funding would allow the scheme to reach more young people while strengthening its administrative capacity.
The President noted that the number of youths enrolling in the programme has continued to rise, putting pressure on the agency’s limited resources.
He said the funding boost would enable the scheme to expand its outreach to more schools, institutions, and communities nationwide.
“The budget has been limited in the past, and that has constrained the agency’s ability to reach many more young people,” Ruto said.
“The budget has been limited in the past, and that has constrained the agency’s ability to reach many more young people,” Ruto said.
“I am directing that in the coming budget, we double the allocation for this agency so that it can extend this most consequential training and reach more institutions.”
Ruto also instructed the Head of Public Service to identify alternative office space for the President’s Award agency after its initial offices were reallocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a move he said was necessary to allow the agency to operate effectively.
Beyond funding, the President announced a major policy shift that will see mentorship formally recognised in public service career progression.
Ruto also instructed the Head of Public Service to identify alternative office space for the President’s Award agency after its initial offices were reallocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a move he said was necessary to allow the agency to operate effectively.
Beyond funding, the President announced a major policy shift that will see mentorship formally recognised in public service career progression.
He said teachers and public servants who mentor young people under the President’s Award Scheme will be considered for promotion, marking a departure from traditional promotion criteria.
Currently, promotions in the public service are largely based on performance evaluations, merit, length of service, and the availability of vacancies, with recommendations submitted to the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Currently, promotions in the public service are largely based on performance evaluations, merit, length of service, and the availability of vacancies, with recommendations submitted to the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Senior positions often require competitive recruitment, professional qualifications, and compliance with gender and regional balance requirements.
Ruto said mentorship would now be factored into this framework, recognising the role mentors play in shaping responsible and skilled citizens.
“We are going to consider the mentors of these young people, whether they are teachers or public servants, in their promotion and service to the nation,” the President stated.
He further announced that the scheme’s workforce would be expanded in line with the increased budget.
Ruto said mentorship would now be factored into this framework, recognising the role mentors play in shaping responsible and skilled citizens.
“We are going to consider the mentors of these young people, whether they are teachers or public servants, in their promotion and service to the nation,” the President stated.
He further announced that the scheme’s workforce would be expanded in line with the increased budget.
The recruitment of additional staff will be coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the Public Service Commission to ensure the programme is adequately staffed to meet rising demand.
The President also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Gold Award recipients, noting that they would be considered as public service opportunities are rationalised.
“We did commit that we are going to look out for the gold awardees as we create opportunities for those who want to work in the public service,” he said.
The President’s Award Scheme targets young people aged 14 to 24, offering a structured framework that promotes community service, skills development, physical fitness, and adventurous challenges.
The President also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Gold Award recipients, noting that they would be considered as public service opportunities are rationalised.
“We did commit that we are going to look out for the gold awardees as we create opportunities for those who want to work in the public service,” he said.
The President’s Award Scheme targets young people aged 14 to 24, offering a structured framework that promotes community service, skills development, physical fitness, and adventurous challenges.
Participants progress through bronze, silver, and gold levels, with certificates that are nationally recognised and valued by employers and institutions.
The measures announced by President Ruto form part of the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda, which seeks to link mentorship, skills training, and employment pathways while strengthening institutions that support young people.
Government officials say the expanded programme is expected to play a key role in nurturing disciplined, skilled, and socially responsible youth, while also encouraging public servants to actively participate in mentorship as part of national development.
The expansion of the President’s Award Scheme comes amid growing calls for practical youth programmes that go beyond academic achievement to build character, leadership, and community responsibility among Kenya’s young population.
The measures announced by President Ruto form part of the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda, which seeks to link mentorship, skills training, and employment pathways while strengthening institutions that support young people.
Government officials say the expanded programme is expected to play a key role in nurturing disciplined, skilled, and socially responsible youth, while also encouraging public servants to actively participate in mentorship as part of national development.
The expansion of the President’s Award Scheme comes amid growing calls for practical youth programmes that go beyond academic achievement to build character, leadership, and community responsibility among Kenya’s young population.