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Key Details at a Glance
- Programme Title: Young Professionals Programme 2024/2025 (Self-Sponsored Track)
- Programme Ref. No.: KIPPRA/YP/25/26
- Institution: Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
- Programme Duration: One Year (Fixed-Term, Full-Time, Residential)
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Start Date: To be communicated to shortlisted candidates
- Application Deadline: Monday, 2nd June 2025, 11:59 PM (EAT)
- Programme Fee: KES 207,146 (Covers tuition, course materials, and resource access)
- Vacancies: 10 Positions (Self-/Institution-Sponsored)
- Application Portal: Below
Programme Announcement and Overview
The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2024/2025, under the self-sponsored track. This full-time, residential programme is designed to equip early and mid-career professionals with advanced research, analytical, and leadership skills needed to engage in public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation in Kenya and beyond.
Through a blend of classroom-based learning and applied research, participants gain the tools to shape policy discourse at local, regional, and national levels. The programme has earned a reputation as one of Kenya’s most rigorous and impactful postgraduate capacity-building initiatives.
About KIPPRA
KIPPRA is a state corporation established under the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis Act. It serves as the government’s lead public policy think tank, providing high-level policy advice, conducting policy research, and building national capacity for policy development. KIPPRA plays a central role in informing Kenya’s policy agenda, working closely with ministries, counties, development partners, and civil society organizations.
The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) supports KIPPRA’s human capital development mandate by nurturing highly skilled professionals in research, policy analysis, and public sector reform.
Programme Objective
The core objective of the YPP is to develop advanced competencies in public policy research, analysis, implementation, and evaluation among emerging professionals. The programme seeks to:
- Build technical capacity in evidence-based policy formulation
- Equip professionals with analytical tools for economic forecasting, statistical modelling, and social policy analysis
- Foster understanding of Kenya’s devolved governance, legislative processes, and institutional frameworks
- Enhance practical research and writing skills for policy briefs, working papers, and academic publishing
- Strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving skills
Graduates of the YPP are expected to publish original research, contribute to national policy dialogues, and assume leadership roles in Kenya’s policy ecosystem.
Coursework and Learning Modules
Participants engage in structured coursework and supervised research projects. Key learning areas include:
- Public Policy Formulation and Implementation
- Introduction to Legislative Processes
- Governance in a Devolved System
- Macroeconomic Modelling and Forecasting
- Systems of National Accounts and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM)
- Applied Research Methods and Design
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks
- Tools for Quantitative and Qualitative Policy Analysis
The programme also features workshops, policy roundtables, guest lectures, and publication mentorship.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:
Academic Qualifications
- Hold a Master’s degree from a recognized university in any of the following fields:
- Public Policy / Public Administration
- Economics / Econometrics
- Statistics / Applied Mathematics
- Development Studies / Planning
- Political Science / Governance
- Sociology / Social Policy
- Other relevant social science or development-related fields
Age Limit
- Must be under 40 years of age at the time of application
Technical and Research Skills
- Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in at least one statistical software package (e.g., R, STATA, SPSS, E-Views)
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and team collaboration abilities
- Fluency in English (spoken and written)
Legal Residency
- Applicants must be legally residing in Kenya for the entire duration of the programme
- Non-Kenyan applicants must provide proof of valid residency and study permit
Additional Documentation Requirements
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit valid clearance certificates from the following Kenyan regulatory agencies:
- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
- Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
- Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
In addition:
- Applicants currently employed in the public sector must submit an endorsement letter from the Principal Secretary, County Secretary, or CEO of their parent institution
- Self-sponsored applicants must confirm ability to pay the programme fee of KES 207,146 (this covers tuition, materials, and research support)
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
All applications must be submitted online only via the official KIPPRA recruitment portal:
🔗 Apply at: https://recruitment.kippra.or.ke
Required Application Materials:
- Cover Letter clearly stating motivation, background, and relevance of the programme
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Scanned copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- Duly completed KIPPRA Personal Data Form (available on the website)
Important:
- Do not indicate preferred department in your application
- Label your application subject line as “Self-Sponsored Applicant – YPP 2024/2025”
- Hard-copy submissions will NOT be accepted
Deadline for Submission:
All applications must be submitted no later than Monday, 2nd June 2025 at 11:59 PM EAT. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Programme Terms and Conditions
Programme Completion Requirement
All admitted candidates must complete the entire programme within the one-year duration. Deferrals or interruptions will not be permitted.
Employment Disclaimer
Participation in the Young Professionals Programme does not guarantee employment at KIPPRA or within the public service. However, the YPP alumni have a notable history of professional success and influence in:
- Ministries and State Departments
- County Governments
- Research Institutions
- International Development Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Equal Opportunity Statement
KIPPRA is an equal opportunity employer. The programme encourages applications from:
- Women
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- Youth from marginalized counties or underserved communities
Programme Impact and Career Development
Since its inception, the KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme has trained over 300 graduates who are now contributing to national and continental development. The programme provides a solid foundation for:
- Influencing public policy at senior levels
- Publishing in reputable journals and policy platforms
- Gaining admission into global PhD and fellowship programs
- Building a high-impact professional network
Participants will:
- Engage in national and regional policy forums
- Develop and publish independent and team-based research
- Receive mentorship from senior researchers and policy experts
Contact Information for Enquiries
For clarifications or further information, please contact:
The Executive Director
Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
Bishop Gardens Towers, 2nd Floor, Upper Hill
P.O. Box 56445, Nairobi 00200 City Square
Tel: 0724256096 / 0736712724
Website: http://www.kippra.or.ke
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