Bridging the gap between education and employment
NextGen.Ke is a first-of-its-kind partnership between UNDP, the Government of Kenya, and KEPSA, designed to connect talented young Kenyans with work opportunities aimed at building skills, expanding networks, and launching careers.
Why this matters
67%
of Kenyan youth are unemployed or underemployed
Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2024
800,000+
1 million youth enter the job market every single year, creating a gap of 800,000 jobs
Source: Ministry of Labour, Kenya
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.
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? Join us →
Be part of the first cohort
Applications open in July 2026.
Questions? Email us at support@kenyanextgen.co.ke