The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) is Kenya’s premier public policy research institute, mandated to develop capacities required for the formulation of medium and long-term development strategies for the country. As part of its capacity-building mission, KIPPRA runs the Young Professionals (YP) Training Programme, designed to nurture and empower emerging public policy professionals with practical skills in research, policy analysis, and governance.
This 12-month intensive programme offers early-career professionals a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Kenya’s public policy processes, gain hands-on experience, and produce publishable research outputs under the mentorship of seasoned researchers. Participants will be exposed to public policy research methods, governance structures under the devolved system, research ethics, and macroeconomic modelling, with a goal to contribute to policy development and socio-economic transformation in Kenya.
The 2025/2026 cohort is now open for applications. If you are passionate about policy, research, and national development, this opportunity is for you.
Programme Objectives
- To develop the next generation of public policy researchers in Kenya.
- To strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in public policy research, data analysis, and communication.
- To provide exposure to real-world policy issues through departmental placements and mentoring.
- To produce high-quality research outputs that are publishable and impactful.
- To create a strong professional network among young professionals and public policy experts.
Programme Structure
The programme runs for one year and includes:
- Classroom instruction on key policy areas and research tools.
- Attachment to one of KIPPRA’s research departments.
- Supervised independent or group research.
- Seminars and training workshops.
- Practical experience working with public institutions on relevant policy issues.
Placement Departments
Successful candidates will be placed in one of the following departments based on their academic background, interest, and research strengths:
- Macroeconomics Department – Focus on fiscal and monetary policy, public finance, inflation, economic forecasting.
- Productive Sector Department – Research on agriculture, industry, environment, and climate change.
- Social Sector Department – Topics include education, health, social protection, youth, and gender.
- Infrastructure and Economic Services Department – Focused on transport, ICT, energy, and water.
- Private Sector Development Department – Covers business environment, MSMEs, entrepreneurship, innovation, and markets.
- Governance Department – Issues related to devolution, public sector governance, institutional reforms, and rule of law.
- Trade and Foreign Policy Department – Regional integration, trade agreements, global economic policy, and diplomacy.
- Partnerships Department – Stakeholder engagement, collaborations, and resource mobilization.
Note: Applicants must indicate their preferred department in the application form.
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify for admission into the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must hold a Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as economics, public policy, political science, statistics, international relations, or related disciplines.
- Must be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Must be legally residing in Kenya during the period of the programme.
Core Competencies Required
Applicants are expected to demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Proficiency in computer applications, especially at least one statistical package such as R, STATA, SPSS, or EViews.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
- Fluency in English.
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Commitment to public service and national development.
Compliance Requirements
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit valid clearance certificates from the following institutions:
- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
- Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
- Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
Additional Notes
- Applicants from the Public Sector are required to submit an endorsement letter from the Principal Secretary or CEO of their respective Ministry, Department, or Agency.
- KIPPRA does not guarantee employment at the end of the programme. It is a professional training and capacity-building initiative only.
- Applications that are incomplete or do not follow instructions will not be considered.
- KIPPRA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, persons with disabilities, youth, and individuals from marginalized regions are encouraged to apply.
- Canvassing of any kind will result in disqualification.
- No application fee is required at any stage.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through the KIPPRA recruitment portal:
https://recruitment.kippra.or.ke/
Hard copy applications will NOT be accepted.
Application Instructions
- Use the recruitment portal link above to access the application form.
- Clearly indicate in the subject line that you are applying for the KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme.
- Select and indicate your preferred research department in the application.
- Attach all necessary documents as prompted by the portal.
Deadline for Applications:
Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 at 11:59:00 hrs
Late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Contact Information
The Executive Director
Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
Bishop Gardens Towers, 2nd Floor, Bishop Road, Upper Hill
P.O. Box 56445 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 020-2719933/4 | Fax: 020-2719951
Apply Now
This is your opportunity to shape Kenya’s policy future while gaining unmatched experience and professional growth.
Don’t miss out—submit your application today and begin your journey as a KIPPRA Young Professional.
