KIPPRA on Tuesday announced 30 vacancies under its Young Professionals Programme for 2026/2027, targeting graduates interested in public policy.
The full-time programme combines coursework and research, with participants expected to publish outputs. Applications close on April 21, with the institute urging qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities, to apply through its official website.
In a notice issued under reference number KIPPRA/YP/26/27, the institute said the programme is part of its broader mandate to build human and institutional capacity for national development.
“In line with The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)'s mandate of developing human and institutional capacities to formulate medium and long-term strategic perspectives for national development, KIPPRA runs a Young Professionals programme as a means of ensuring sustainable development through supply of adequate human capital for effecting public policy processes,” the notice said.
The institute is inviting applications to fill “thirty (30) Young Professional vacant positions, under KIPPRA-sponsored admissions,” with the programme set to run on a full-time, physical basis.
According to KIPPRA, the annual programme combines academic training with practical exposure, equipping participants with both theoretical and applied knowledge in policy development.
“The programme is physical and full-time. It is an annual programme, and it includes both coursework and publication of various research outputs,” the notice stated.
Participants will undertake coursework across a wide range of policy-related disciplines designed to strengthen their analytical and research capabilities.
“Areas of coursework include the public policy-making process, Introduction to the legislative process, applied research methods, Tools for policy analysis, Governance structures in a Devolved system of Government, Monitoring and Evaluation, Macroeconomic Modeling and Forecasting, Systems of National Accounts and Introduction to Social Accounting Matrix (SAM),” the institute said.
By the end of the programme, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to research and policy discourse through publications.
“By the end of the programme the participants are expected to publish various research outputs,” the notice added.
The initiative is also designed to provide early-career professionals with practical experience and networking opportunities within the policy space.
“The objective of the YP Programme is to develop young professionals in public policy research and analysis and offer them an opportunity to gain on-the-job experience, expand their knowledge, leadership skills and build professional networks,” KIPPRA said.
Applicants have been advised to visit the institute’s official website for detailed requirements and guidance on the application process.
“Applicants are advised to visit our website: www.kippra.or.ke for information on existing Divisions focus areas and detailed requirements, and how to apply for the position,” the notice stated.
The deadline for applications has been set for April 21, 2026, with submissions required to be completed before midnight.
KIPPRA cautioned that late submissions will not be considered and emphasised that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
“Late applications will not be accepted, and ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” it added.
The institute also encouraged inclusivity in its recruitment process, urging persons with disabilities to apply.
“Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. KIPPRA is an equal opportunity employer,” the notice said.
The Young Professionals Programme has in previous years served as a pathway for graduates to enter the public policy sector, contributing to research and analysis that informs government decision-making.
With 30 slots available, competition is expected to be high, reflecting growing interest among young graduates in policy careers and public service roles aligned with national development priorities such as those outlined under the Kenya 2030 agenda.
