President William Ruto has announced that mentors of President’s Award recipients will receive special consideration for promotions and opportunities in public service, as part of a broader effort to strengthen youth mentorship and leadership development across the country.
The move is aimed at recognising the role played by teachers and public servants who guide young people through the award programme.
The President made the announcement while speaking at the President’s Award Gold Ceremony held at State House, Nairobi. He said the recognition was meant to reward individuals who help shape the values, discipline and character of young Kenyans.
“The last time we had this moment of presidential award, I did commit that we are going to look out for the gold awardees as we rationalize opportunities for those who want to work in the public service,” the President said. “We are going to give consideration for the mentors of these young people, whether they are teachers or public servants, in their promotion and in their service.”
1,252 young Kenyans awarded by President William Ruto at State House,Nairobi on January 21,2026.PHOTO/PCS
During the ceremony, President Ruto reaffirmed his strong belief in the potential of Kenya’s youth, describing it as “deep and unshakable.” He said young people have the “capability, the energy, the talent and the resolve to turn our grand ambition into reality,” adding that Kenya’s youth “rank among the very best in the world in terms of our human capital development.”
A total of 1,252 young Kenyans received awards during the ceremony at State House on January 21, 2026.
The President said the President’s Award programme reflects the values the country must continue to promote, noting that education goes beyond academic performance.
“Education does not end in the classroom, and knowledge alone is not enough,” he said. “Education is not about examination. It’s more about character and impact.” He added that volunteerism and service to others are key in shaping responsible and purposeful citizens.
Ruto highlighted several success stories from the programme to show its impact. Among them was Vivian Kinya, who was selected as one of eight youth representatives worldwide to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Council.
He also mentioned Mohammed Hassan Omar, a student at Garissa University, who began beekeeping with 10 hives during his silver award project. The venture has since grown to more than 120 hives in Wajir, providing jobs for other young people.
Another example cited was Sheldon Nduta, whose life, the President said, was changed through the programme and who is now pursuing a diploma at Kiambu National Polytechnic.
“These stories remind us that leadership is not defined by titles but by service, and that success is not measured by personal gain alone, but by the change we create,” Ruto said.
The President also announced plans to expand the President’s Award programme by doubling its budget in the next financial year and hiring more staff to increase its reach.
He said investment in young people remains a key part of Kenya’s development agenda, stressing that “the single most important resource and asset that we have as a nation is our human capital.”
As he concluded his remarks, Ruto urged young Kenyans to stay focused and optimistic about the future. “Kenya’s future belongs to those who choose hope, effort and purpose,” he said, as he congratulated the gold award recipients and their mentors for their role in building the nation.
