The KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme 2026/2027 is a one year training and research programme designed for graduates who want experience in public policy research, data analysis, and government policy development. The programme is run by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis and focuses on building research skills, policy analysis skills, and professional experience.
If you want a career in public policy, economics, statistics, governance, or research, this programme provides structured training, research placement, and professional exposure in government policy work.
Table of Contents
- About the KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme
- Research Divisions Available
- Programme Objectives and Training Areas
- Minimum Qualifications Requirements
- Required Competencies
- Mandatory Clearance Requirements
- Important Application Instructions
- How to Apply
- Application Deadline
- Final Advice for Applicants
About the KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme
The KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme is an annual training programme aimed at developing young researchers in public policy and economic research. Participants are placed in research divisions for one year where they work on policy research projects and produce publishable research outputs.
During the programme, participants receive training in:
- Public policy process
- Research methods
- Data analysis techniques
- Governance in devolved government
- Research ethics
- Macroeconomic modelling
By the end of the programme, participants are expected to complete research work suitable for publication.
Research Divisions Available
Successful applicants will be placed in one of the research divisions and must focus their research in that division area.
Available divisions include:
- Macroeconomics Division
- Modelling Division
- Statistics Division
- Predictive Analytics Division
- Social Sector Division
- Nutrition and Dietetics Sector Division
- Governance Division
- Gender and Special Group Division
- Infrastructure and Economic Services Division
- Trade and Foreign Policy Division
- Private Sector Development Division
- Productive Sector Division
Applicants must indicate their preferred division in the application form.
Programme Objectives and Training Areas
The main objective of the programme is to develop young professionals in public policy research and give them practical work experience in policy research institutions.
The programme aims to help participants:
- Gain research experience
- Improve policy analysis skills
- Build professional networks
- Work with experienced researchers
- Produce publishable research
- Gain experience in government policy research environment
This programme is suitable for graduates interested in careers in:
- Public policy
- Economics
- Statistics
- Data science
- Governance
- Public administration
- Development studies
- Research and academia
Minimum Qualifications Requirements
To qualify for the KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must have a Master’s Degree
- Must be below 35 years of age
- Must be legally living in Kenya at the time of the programme
Applicants who do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered.
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Required Competencies
Apart from academic qualifications, applicants must have the following skills and competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Results oriented attitude
- Computer literacy
- Knowledge of at least one statistical software such as:
- R
- STATA
- SPSS
- E-Views
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good communication skills
- Fluency in English
Candidates with research experience, data analysis skills, or policy research background have an advantage.
Mandatory Clearance Requirements
Successful candidates will be required to obtain clearance certificates from the following institutions:
- Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC)
- Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
- Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
Applicants should prepare for these clearance requirements early to avoid delays after selection.
Important Application Instructions
Before submitting your application, take note of the following important instructions:
- Applications must be submitted online only
- Hard copy applications are not accepted
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Applicants must indicate preferred division
- Public sector applicants must submit endorsement from Principal Secretary or CEO
- The programme does not guarantee employment after completion
- No application fees are required
- Canvassing leads to automatic disqualification
- Persons with disabilities, women, marginalized groups are encouraged to apply
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Following these instructions correctly improves your chances of being shortlisted.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the programme:
- Visit the recruitment portal
- Create an account
- Complete the online application form
- Select your preferred research division
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application before the deadline
Only applications submitted through the recruitment portal will be accepted.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
Monday, 21 April 2026 at 11:59 PM
Late applications will not be accepted. Submit your application early to avoid system delays or last minute problems.
Final Advice for Applicants
If you want to improve your chances of selection:
- Apply early
- Choose a division related to your Master’s degree
- Highlight research experience
- Highlight data analysis skills
- Show knowledge of public policy issues
- Ensure all documents are uploaded
- Complete the application form correctly
- Do not leave sections blank
The KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme is competitive, so a complete and well prepared application is important.
Apply Now
If you meet the requirements and want experience in public policy research, data analysis, and government policy work, apply before 21 April 2026 through the official recruitment portal.
This programme provides research experience, professional exposure, and networking opportunities in public policy and economic research.
