Government, Partners Launch Volunteer Program to Boost Youth Employment

The government has unveiled a new national volunteer initiative aimed at creating employment opportunities for 20,000 young people across the country.

The program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection through the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, is being implemented in partnership with the Volunteer-Involving Organizations Society of Kenya (VIO Kenya) and other volunteer organizations.

The announcement was made during a joint meeting held earlier today, where government officials and civil society leaders outlined plans to transform volunteerism into a structured pathway to employment.

Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime said the initiative is designed to enhance employability by equipping young people with practical skills gained through volunteer service.

“The goal is clear: to boost employability, support career growth, and contribute to Kenya’s economic progress,” Mwadime said, noting that the program will turn volunteer hours into meaningful work opportunities.

VIO Kenya National Chairperson Meshack Odede emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to community development, stating that the new initiative builds on years of mobilizing volunteers nationwide.

“Since 2008, we have united volunteers and partners to promote peace and development. We are now proud to lead this nationwide effort to translate volunteer experience into real job opportunities,” Odede said.

Under the program, participants will receive free training and certification in technical, soft, and transferable skills. Organizers say the certification framework will provide a transparent bridge from volunteer engagement to paid employment, while also promoting lifelong learning and career advancement.

The partnership will bring together schools, non-governmental organizations, corporate social responsibility units, community groups, and government agencies to support implementation and regional outreach.

Officials said the initiative aligns with continental and national development frameworks, including African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformative Agenda (BETA), which prioritize youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

The rollout is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with details on eligibility criteria, training schedules, and regional participation to be announced soon.

With youth unemployment remaining a pressing challenge, stakeholders expressed optimism that the volunteer-to-employment pathway will provide thousands of young Kenyans with practical experience and improved access to the job market.