President William Ruto has announced that the government will double the budget of the President’s Award-Kenya to enable the programme to reach more students and overcome financial constraints that have limited its operations.
Speaking at State House Nairobi during the presentation of the Gold Award on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the President emphasized the importance of expanding the initiative to empower young people across schools and institutions nationwide.
“The Cabinet Secretary responsible will, in the coming budget, double the budget for this agency so that they can extend this most consequential training and reach out to our young people in more schools and institutions,” he said.
Strengthening the Agency
In addition to increased funding, President Ruto announced that the government will:
- Recruit additional staff for the President’s Award-Kenya.
- Provide the agency with a modern office, as directed to the Head of Public Service.
These measures aim to enhance the agency’s capacity to deliver transformative training and mentorship to Kenyan youth.
The Gold Award Achievement
The Gold Level represents the highest achievement in the President’s Award programme. It requires sustained participation across four core sections: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and Adventurous Journey, and uniquely includes a residential project that brings together participants from diverse backgrounds to live, work, and serve as a team.
This year, 1,252 young people qualified for the Gold Award, demonstrating consistent commitment, maturity, and leadership.
President Ruto pledged that Gold Award recipients will be given priority in public service opportunities, while also recognizing the mentors who guide them.
Investing in Human Capital
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in education and training as a central pillar of Kenya’s transformation. He highlighted plans to scale up the National Research Fund to 2% of GDP, underscoring the role of knowledge, innovation, and human capital development in achieving sustained prosperity.
“No nation can achieve sustained prosperity without investing in knowledge, innovation, and human capital development,” he said.
He also urged young people to remain optimistic and believe in their country:
“Kenya’s future belongs to those who choose hope, effort, and purpose.”
Voices of Support
- Sports and Youth Affairs CS Salim Mvurya praised the programme for complementing schooling with life skills that prepare youth to manage personal development and community challenges.
- Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, chair of the National Assembly Committee on Social Protection, said the initiative is keeping young people engaged in productive activities and away from drug and substance abuse.
- Amani Njoki, a Gold Award recipient from St Austin’s Academy, described the programme as instrumental in shaping dependable adults, professionals, and leaders, calling for its expansion to reach more youth.
- Margaret Kiogora, CEO of President’s Award-Kenya, hailed the programme as transformative, instilling integrity, service, and resilience in young people.
The government’s commitment to doubling the budget and expanding the reach of the President’s Award-Kenya signals a renewed focus on youth empowerment, leadership development, and human capital growth. With more resources and stronger institutional support, the programme is poised to impact thousands more young Kenyans, shaping the next generation of responsible citizens and leaders.
