Kenya's youth talent is being left behind
Despite being one of Africa's most educated youth populations, young Kenyans face unprecedented barriers to meaningful employment.
67%
of Kenyan youth are unemployed or underemployed
Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2024
800,000+
young Kenyans enter the job market annually
Source: Ministry of Labour, Kenya
5.7M
youth unemployed nationwide, highest in East Africa
Source: World Bank, 2024
The root cause? A disconnect between what employers need and what graduates offer—not in talent, but in structured pathways, professional networks, and proven work experience. NextGen exists to bridge this gap.
A new model for youth employment
Combining development expertise with private sector reach to create sustainable career pathways at national scale.
Structured Application
A comprehensive but streamlined process that captures education, skills, and potential beyond traditional CVs.
Merit-Based Scoring
Proprietary scoring engine evaluates candidates objectively, ensuring the best talent rises to the top.
Company Matching
Smart matching connects qualified candidates with partner companies based on skills, location, and industry fit.
Onboarding & Development
Mandatory LMS courses prepare interns for professional success before they start their placements.
Built on integrity & impact
Merit-Based Selection
Every candidate is evaluated through a transparent, scored process that prioritizes potential over connections.
Trust & Integrity
Built on UNDP's global standards and KEPSA's private sector credibility, we maintain the highest ethical standards.
Inclusive Opportunity
Open to qualified candidates from all 47 counties, with proactive outreach to underrepresented communities.
Measurable Impact
Every placement is tracked to ensure meaningful career progression and economic transformation.
Building toward June 2026
We're moving deliberately to ensure every system, partnership, and process is ready to deliver exceptional outcomes from day one.
📬 Stay updated
Be the first to know when applications open and get programme updates.
Platform Development
CompletedBuilding the NextGen platform with secure document management, scoring engine, and matching algorithms.
January - March 2026
Partner Onboarding
Current PhaseOnboarding founding partner companies across telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, and professional services.
March - April 2026
Candidate Applications
UpcomingOpening applications to 500 young Kenyans across all 47 counties. First-come, first-reviewed basis.
April - May 2026
Selection & Matching
UpcomingScoring, shortlisting, and matching candidates with partner companies for 12-month internships.
May - June 2026
Programme Launch
UpcomingFirst cohort begins their internships with comprehensive onboarding and continuous support.
June 2026
Backed by trusted institutions
NextGen is powered by organizations with decades of experience in development, private sector engagement, and youth empowerment.
"NextGen represents a bold new approach to youth employment—one that combines development expertise with private sector reach to create sustainable career pathways."
UNDP Kenya
Strategic Development Partner
"Kenya's private sector needs talented, job-ready young professionals. NextGen bridges the gap between education and employment at national scale."
KEPSA
Private Sector Partner
Interested in becoming a partner company? Get in touch →
Be part of the first cohort
Applications open in April 2026. Create your profile now to be notified when the application portal launches.
Questions? Email us at hello@nextgen.ke