President William Ruto has announced the government's plan to expand youth outreach and strengthen mentorship programmes by increasing funding for the President's Award Scheme in the next financial year. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, January 21, during the gold award presentation, the head of state directed the Treasury Ministry to increase funding for the scheme. Ruto also announced that public servants and teachers who mentor young people through the President's Award Scheme would be considered for promotion in the public service, introducing mentorship as a factor in career progression. Currently, promotions in the public service are primarily based on performance, merit, length of service and availability of vacancies, with recommendations made to the Public Service Commission. The President's Award Scheme targets young people between 14 and 24 years of age, offering structured programmes in community service, skills development, physical activities and adventurous challenges.

Source: Daily Nation January 22, 2026 06:03 UTC