The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) is a public institution mandated to develop human and institutional capacities for public policy formulation and analysis. It plays a vital role in shaping Kenya’s medium and long-term strategic perspectives for national development through evidence-based policy research.
In pursuit of this mandate, KIPPRA invites applications for its Sponsored Young Professionals Programme 2025/2026. The Institute aims to fill thirty (30) Young Professional positions under the upcoming intake, which forms part of its efforts to nurture a sustainable supply of capable human capital to support public policy processes in Kenya.
The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a full-time, structured and intensive one-year training and mentorship initiative targeting highly motivated young professionals. The programme is designed to provide practical, on-the-job experience in public policy research and analysis, thereby equipping participants with critical technical skills, knowledge, and professional networks to enhance their contribution to national development.
Participants of the programme will undertake both coursework and independent research within the Institute’s priority areas. The training covers a wide array of themes, including the policy-making process, governance structures, macroeconomic forecasting, monitoring and evaluation, and tools for policy analysis. Young professionals are also expected to publish at least one research output during the programme period.
Programme Details and Areas of Engagement
Each of the thirty Young Professionals will be assigned to a specific department or thematic area within KIPPRA, where they will gain practical experience in research, data analysis, policy formulation, and related assignments. Below are the key areas and expected roles within the programme:
1. Public Policy-Making Process
Professionals assigned to this stream will delve into the structure and dynamics of Kenya’s public policy process. They will participate in analyzing institutional and legislative frameworks that guide policy development at national and county levels. The work will involve documenting the stages of the policy cycle, identifying challenges in implementation, and recommending strategies for more efficient policy-making.
Participants will conduct research on policy formulation, engage with various stakeholders, and support the drafting and review of policy briefs and working papers. They may also be called upon to participate in consultative forums with government departments and non-state actors.
2. Legislative Processes and Governance
This area focuses on the interaction between policy and legislation. Young professionals will explore how policies are translated into law and how governance structures operate within a devolved system. Assignments will include reviewing legislative documents, analyzing the legal frameworks underpinning various sectors, and assessing the effectiveness of institutional governance models.
The role also includes assisting in capacity development programmes for public institutions and supporting research on transparency, accountability, and participation in governance.
3. Applied Research Methods
Professionals in this area will be trained in advanced research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative techniques. They will work on the development of research tools, field data collection, and statistical analysis.
The scope of work includes designing and implementing surveys, using software such as SPSS or STATA, and presenting research findings through reports, infographics, and presentations. Participants will contribute to building research capacity at the Institute and will have the opportunity to co-author papers with senior researchers.
4. Tools for Policy Analysis
This stream will engage professionals in technical tools used to assess the impact of public policies. These include cost-benefit analysis, policy simulations, and stakeholder analysis frameworks. Participants will work closely with economists and policy analysts in evaluating ongoing and proposed policies and will contribute to the development of evidence-based policy recommendations.
They will also assist in training workshops and seminars designed to enhance policy analysis skills among government officials and other stakeholders.
5. Governance Structures in a Devolved System of Government
This thematic area addresses the intricacies of governance under Kenya’s devolved structure. Young professionals will participate in research on intergovernmental relations, resource allocation, and service delivery at the county level.
Their duties will include preparing policy briefs on devolution-related issues, collecting data from counties, and analyzing the performance of devolved units against set indicators. They will also support initiatives aimed at improving coordination between national and county governments.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Young professionals will be exposed to monitoring and evaluation frameworks for development programmes and public policies. Their responsibilities will include designing logical frameworks, developing performance indicators, and conducting evaluations to assess the relevance, efficiency, and impact of programmes.
They will assist in training government agencies on best practices in M&E and will participate in drafting M&E reports that inform planning and resource allocation decisions.
7. Macroeconomic Modelling and Forecasting
This area is best suited for professionals with a strong background in economics and statistical modeling. Participants will work on the construction of macroeconomic models, scenario analysis, and policy simulations to forecast the impact of various policy options.
The work involves using modeling software, contributing to national economic outlook reports, and advising policymakers on key economic trends. They will also be trained in interpreting macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, fiscal policy, and trade dynamics.
8. Forecasting Systems of National Accounts
Young professionals will contribute to research related to national accounts, including GDP compilation, sectoral analysis, and economic indicators. The assignment will include analyzing trends in household consumption, investment, government expenditure, and the external sector.
Participants will collaborate with national statistics offices and other relevant institutions to improve the quality of data used in national planning and budgeting.
9. Introduction to Social Accounting Matrix (SAM)
This specialized area offers young professionals the chance to work with social accounting matrices as tools for understanding the structure of an economy. Participants will assist in updating and analyzing SAM data, which captures the relationships between production, income distribution, and household consumption.
Their work will inform input-output analysis, economic planning, and poverty impact assessments. Training in SAM will also include its application in computable general equilibrium (CGE) models for policy analysis.
Expected Deliverables and Outcome
By the end of the Young Professionals Programme, each participant is expected to publish at least one research output. This may be in the form of a working paper, policy brief, or technical report. The programme is designed to enhance the professional competence of participants, enabling them to play a more effective role in public service, academia, or development organizations.
In addition to technical skills, the programme places emphasis on soft skills such as leadership, communication, team collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official KIPPRA website at www.kippra.or.ke for comprehensive information on the participating departments, departmental focus areas, and specific application requirements.
All applications should be submitted physically to the Institute offices on or before Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 at 11:59:00 hrs. Late applications will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. KIPPRA is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
