Ruto Honours Over 1,200 Kenyan Youth with Prestigious President’s Gold Awards

President William Ruto on Wednesday, 21, presided over the President’s Award–Kenya Gold Awards Presentation Ceremony at State House, Nairobi, honouring more than 1,200 young Kenyans for exceptional achievement, service, and leadership.

The event brought together senior government officials, education leaders, and youth development partners to celebrate the country’s top Award recipients.

The Head of State, who is also the Patron of the President’s Award–Kenya, congratulated the 1,252 Gold Awardees drawn from across the country, commending them for the sustained commitment required to attain the programme’s highest level.

He described the awardees as a powerful example of discipline, resilience, and purpose among Kenyan youth.

“Hongera,” President Ruto said as he acknowledged the milestone, noting that the young people being celebrated had demonstrated the determination needed to shape the nation’s future.

He added that the programme nurtures citizens who are “principled, not just skilled,” underscoring its national importance.

Youth Central to Kenya’s Development Vision

President Ruto reaffirmed his confidence in Kenya’s young people, describing their capacity to transform the country as unshakeable.

“My faith in the ability of Kenya’s young people to transform our nation is as deep as it is unshakeable,” he said, linking youth empowerment directly to Kenya’s long-term development ambitions.

He noted that when he articulated the vision of elevating Kenya to a first-world economy, it was anchored on the strength of young people.

According to the President, Kenyan youth possess the “capability, energy, and resolve” to turn national aspirations into reality, both locally and globally.

The President emphasized that volunteerism and character development remain central to the Award.

“Today, we are giving more than an award; we are recognizing effort, sacrifice, and grit,” he said, adding that the theme of shaping character and encouraging purposeful volunteerism reflects values that go beyond classroom education.

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Presidents Award-Kenya’s Growing Impact

The President’s Award–Kenya Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Kiogora, thanked the President for personally presiding over the ceremony and reaffirming government support for youth development.

“On behalf of The Presidents Award–Kenya, I would like to express our deepest appreciation for your exemplary kindness in ensuring that you personally celebrate and award these outstanding young people today,” she said.

Ms. Kiogora described the programme as life-changing and inclusive, open to young people both in and out of formal institutions.

She called on the Ministry of Education and school administrators to strengthen institutional support to expand participation and reach more students and adult helpers.

Since its inception in 1966, more than 500,000 young people have passed through the President’s Award programme.

In the last four years alone, participants have contributed an estimated 4.5 million hours to community service and residential projects, demonstrating tangible national impact.

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Global Recognition and Rigorous Standards

Kenya currently ranks first in Africa and second globally in participation and societal impact under the Award, a standing that has positioned the country as the Africa–Asia Hub for the programme.

This status further solidifies Kenya’s position in the intercontinental arena in youth development.

The Gold Level requires a tremendous amount of commitment in terms of volunteering, skills, fitness, a residential adventure, and an adventure in a foreign environment.

President Ruto added that this tough training raises leaders who are known by service rather than their positions.

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President William Ruto and NYOTA Fund beneficiaries. PHOTO/PCS