KIPPRA is hiring young professionals for the 2026/2027 programme. Master's degree required. Apply by April 21, 2026. Open to Kenyan graduates below 35 years.

KIPPRA Young Professionals Programme 2026/2027 – Apply Before April 21, 2026

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The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis is now accepting applications for its Young Professionals Programme.

This is a one-year opportunity for recent Master’s graduates who want to build careers in public policy research. You will get hands-on experience. You will work alongside experienced researchers. You will produce publishable work.

Deadline: April 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

That is tomorrow. If you are interested, start applying.

Detail Information
Programme Name Young Professionals Programme
Reference Number KIPPRA/YP/26/27
Duration One year
Location KIPPRA, Nairobi
Eligibility Master’s degree, below 35 years
Deadline April 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Apply recruitment.kippra.or.ke

What the Programme Offers

KIPPRA designed this programme to train young professionals in public policy research.

During your one year placement in a research division, you will:

  • Get practical on the job experience in policy research

  • Expand your knowledge of Kenya’s policy landscape

  • Build professional networks with researchers and policymakers

  • Produce publishable research outputs

This is not an internship where you fetch coffee. You will do real research work. Your outputs will be reviewed and could be published.

What You Need to Qualify

Education

You must hold a Master’s degree. Your degree can be in any field relevant to public policy. KIPPRA accepts a wide range of disciplines.

Age

You must be below 35 years of age at the time of application.

Residence

You must be legally resident in Kenya at the time of the programme.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem solving abilities

  • Results oriented mindset

  • Computer literacy

  • Proficiency in at least one statistical package: R, STATA, SPSS, or E-views

  • Good interpersonal and communication skills

  • Fluency in English

Research Divisions

You must pick one division to join. Choose based on your Master’s degree and interests.

Available divisions:

  • Macroeconomics

  • Modelling

  • Statistics

  • Predictive Analytics

  • Social Sector

  • Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Governance

  • Gender and Special Groups

  • Infrastructure and Economic Services

  • Trade and Foreign Policy

  • Private Sector Development

  • Productive Sector

Think carefully about which division matches your skills. You will spend one year there. Your application must state your preferred division clearly.

What Happens If You Are Selected

Before you can join the programme, you must obtain three clearances:

  • Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission clearance

  • Directorate of Criminal Investigation certificate of good conduct

  • Kenya Revenue Authority tax compliance certificate

Start preparing these documents now. They take time to process.

Employment After the Programme

KIPPRA will not offer you employment after you complete the programme.

The Young Professionals Programme is for training and experience only. It does not lead to a job at KIPPRA.

If you are looking for a permanent position at KIPPRA, this is not the path. If you want one year of high quality policy research experience to take elsewhere, this programme is for you.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online through the KIPPRA recruitment portal.

Application link: recruitment.kippra.or.ke

Hard copy applications are not accepted. Do not print anything. Do not visit the office. Apply online only.

What to Include in Your Application

Subject line: Indicate clearly that you are a KIPPRA sponsored applicant.

Preferred division: State your chosen division clearly in the application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For public sector applicants: If you currently work in the public sector, you must submit an endorsement from the Principal Secretary or CEO of your ministry, division, or agency.

What Happens After You Apply

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you do not hear back within a few weeks after the deadline, assume you were not selected. KIPPRA receives many applications for this programme. Competition is high.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the programme or application process:

Physical address:
The Executive Director
KIPPRA
Upper Hill, Bishop Gardens Towers, 2nd Floor
Bishop Road
P.O. Box 56445, Nairobi, 00200 City Square, Kenya

Phone: 2719933/4

Fax: 2719951

Application Tips

Apply today, not tomorrow.

The deadline is April 21 at midnight. That is less than 24 hours away. Do not wait.

State your division clearly.

Incomplete applications are rejected. Make sure you fill out every field. Double check before submitting.

Highlight your statistical software skills.

KIPPRA specifically asks for proficiency in R, STATA, SPSS, or E-views. If you know any of these, put that front and centre in your application.

Public sector applicants need endorsement.

If you work for the government, start asking for that endorsement letter now. Your Principal Secretary or CEO must sign it. That takes time.

Start your clearances early.

EACC, DCI, and KRA documents do not come overnight. If you are serious about this programme, start the clearance processes immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if my Master’s degree is not from Kenya?

Yes, as long as you hold a Master’s degree and are legally resident in Kenya at the time of the programme.

Is this a paid programme?

The job posting does not specify. KIPPRA programmes typically offer a stipend. Contact them directly for details.

Can I choose more than one division?

No. You must pick one division. Your application must state your preferred division clearly.

What if I do not know any statistical packages?

You will not be competitive. KIPPRA requires proficiency in at least one of R, STATA, SPSS, or E-views. Consider applying after you learn one.

Can I apply if I am above 35 years?

No. The age limit is strict. You must be below 35 at the time of application.

What if I miss the deadline?

Late applications are not accepted. Mark your calendar. Set an alarm. Apply before April 21 at 11:59 PM.

Will this programme help me get a job elsewhere?

Yes. One year of policy research experience at KIPPRA is valuable. Many alumni of this programme work in government, NGOs, and international organisations.

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