Nairobi, 21st April 2026 – The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kenya today signed a letter of intent to advance the NextGen.Ke Youth Employment Programme, aimed at expanding sustainable employment opportunities for Kenyan youth through structured private sector engagement.

The partnership strengthens collaboration between UNDP, the Government of Kenya, and private sector partners to bridge the gap between education and employment through practical, market-driven solutions. The CRBC partnership will support the onboarding of over 1,000 youth trainees over the next three years and a contribution of KSh 75 million towards programme implementation.

“This programme ticks all the boxes needed to deliver jobs at scale. It offers an innovative response to one of Kenya’s most urgent priorities, creating opportunities for young people. Strong government buy-in, including Government Development Financing, signals clear national ownership, while partnership with the private sector ensures that young people gain the practical skills and experience employers need,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Stalon, Resident Representative, UNDP Kenya.

Kenya continues to face a dual development challenge of high youth unemployment and persistent regional disparities. Young people aged between 15–34 account for about 35% of the population, with nearly one million entering the labour market annually, while only about 25% secure formal employment. These challenges are more pronounced in marginalized counties in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where access to basic services and economic opportunities remains limited.

The programme is jointly led by the Government of Kenya, through the National Treasury and Economic Planning, in partnership with UNDP and private sector actors. Anchored in Kenya Vision 2030, the Medium-Term Plan IV (2023–2027), and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), it advances national priorities on job creation, inclusive growth, and equitable regional development. Placements are facilitated through industry partnerships, including the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and are aligned with key growth sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, construction, ICT, energy, and services. By providing stipends, the programme reduces hiring costs for employers while enabling them to train, mentor, and build a strong pipeline of future talent.

Over three years, the initiative is expected to benefit more than 15,000 university and college graduates through structured 12-month placements, equipping them with the experience needed to secure permanent employment.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting Kenya’s development priorities. By investing in youth skills development and job creation, we are contributing to long-term socio-economic transformation,” said Mr. Yu Xiaodong, Director, CRBC Kenya.

The signing brought together representatives from the Government, including the National Treasury and Economic Planning, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and other private sector stakeholders, highlighting a shared commitment to addressing youth unemployment through coordinated action.

UNDP remains committed to working with government and private sector partners to scale innovative, inclusive solutions that expand opportunities for young people. Through the NextGen.Ke Youth Employment Programme, these partnerships continue to demonstrate how coordinated action can translate into meaningful jobs, stronger skills, and more equitable development outcomes across Kenya.

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Martin Namasaka

Head of Communications, UNDP Kenya

Email: martin.namasaka@undp.org 

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