Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Creative Economy Salim Mvurya, has welcomed President William Ruto’s directive to expand the President’s Awards Kenya programme, terming it a timely investment in youth leadership, volunteerism and mental well-being.

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, following a function at State House, Nairobi, where 1,253 gold awardees were recognised for their achievements under the program, Mvurya said the initiative reflected a long-term vision of nation-building through empowered youth.

The gold award represents the highest level of achievement in the President’s Awards program, requiring participants to complete rigorous requirements across multiple areas of personal development.

“A society grows great when people plant trees whose shade they shall never sit in. The President’s Awards Kenya (PAK), patroned by H.E President William Ruto, embodies this timeless wisdom by deliberately empowering young people to transform their mental well-being, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace volunteerism and leadership as tools for service,” Mvurya stated.

Positive role models

He further stated that beneficiaries of the programme across the country had demonstrated readiness to play a meaningful role in national transformation, arguing that many had already become positive role models within their communities.

According to Mvurya, the programme has helped young people strengthen their mental resilience, embrace volunteerism and take up leadership roles aimed at promoting shared prosperity.

“Through PAK, young people across Kenya have demonstrated they are ready, sharp, and committed to walking the transformation dream of shared prosperity, becoming beacons of hope within their communities,” he stated.

Priority consideration

Mvurya welcomed the President’s directive to scale up the initiative through increased annual budgetary allocation and the establishment of a permanent operational base, noting that Gold Award recipients would be accorded priority consideration by the Public Service Commission.

This, he said, would further motivate youth participation and reward service to the nation.

“I welcome the President’s directive to expand the program, increase annual allocation, and allocate an operational base. Further, the Gold Awardees will receive priority status by the Public Service Commission,” Mvurya said.