The KIPPRA Young Professional Program (YP) is a capacity development initiative designed to enhance young professionals' competence in public policy research, analysis, and decision-making. The program focuses on building participants' skills in evidence-based policy formulation, governance, and analysis.

The YP program was launched in 2003 and has since graduated over 200 young professionals with some returning to their previous duty stations, and others by becoming highly competitive in the labor market have secured lucrative jobs.

To qualify for the program, applicants must:

• Be Kenyan citizens.
• Be below 35 years of age.
• Possess at least a Master’s degree in relevant fields.
• Have strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a results-oriented mindset.
• Be fluent in English.

The YP program runs for 12 months. During this period, participants engage in research projects, policy dialogues, training, and other activities that provide hands-on experience in the field of public policy.

The YP program aims to:

• Enhance understanding of the public policy process.
• Build policy research and analysis capabilities through hands-on engagement.
• Improve understanding of governance structures at both national and county levels.
• Equip participants with tools for effective policy analysis.
• Provide practical experience in public policy analysis.

Participants will:

• Gain on-the-job experience in public policy research.
• Expand their knowledge and professional networks.
• Interact with key policymakers.
• Build confidence in articulating and conducting policy research.
• Prepare themselves for a competitive job market.

YP participants work on research projects relevant to advancing Kenya’s national development agenda. They also prepare blogs, attend internal peer review seminars, and engage with stakeholders in policy seminars on emerging issues.

The program features:

• Capacity-building courses on public policy, governance in a devolved system, applied research methods, macroeconomic modeling, and more.
• Internal peer review seminars to fine-tune research work.
• Engagement with policy stakeholders.
• Fieldwork and participation in KIPPRA's institutional activities.
• A graduation ceremony for participants who fulfill the program's requirements.

Yes, KIPPRA offers opportunities for both self-sponsored individuals and those sponsored by government ministries, departments, agencies, and county governments.

KIPPRA publishes vacancies for the YP program in at least one local daily and on its website. The application process is highly competitive, and successful candidates are recruited annually.