For Immediate Release

Presidential Proclamation Grants Priority Status to President’s Award Gold Certificate Holders in Public Service

NAIROBI, 12th May, 2025 – In a significant boost to youth development and leadership recognition, Gold Award certificate holders under the President’s Award-Kenya (PA-K) programme will now receive priority consideration in public service recruitment, training, and career advancement opportunities.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, announced that His Excellency the President has issued a formal presidential proclamation establishing an order of precedence to be accorded within the public service to holders of certificates conferred by The President’s Award-Kenya.

“This presidential proclamation recognizes that certificates awarded under the programme serve as a testament to an individual’s commitment to excellence, perseverance, and service to the nation,” stated CS Mvurya during the opening ceremony of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation Africa Regional Conference 2025 in Mombasa.

The proclamation specifically reaffirms the pivotal role played by the President’s Award-Kenya in shaping the future of Kenya’s youth by providing them with values, skills, and leadership capabilities essential to nation-building.

It establishes that holders of PA-K certificates shall be accorded precedence in public service recruitment, training, and advancement opportunities in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to civic responsibility and leadership.

The proclamation also directs the Public Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Parliamentary Service Commission, Teachers Service Commission, and all other Service Commissions, as well as all public entities and employers, to honor this order of precedence by recognizing PA-K certification as a service honor meriting affirmative consideration and prioritizing candidates who have completed the programme to the Gold level, in keeping with the national commitment to promoting merit, service, and civic duty.

The President’s Award-Kenya, a franchise of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, is a youth development programme that encourages young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service, and experience adventure. The programme operates at three progressive levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—with the Gold Award representing the highest achievement.

PA-K CEO Ms. Margaret Kiogora said the proclamation sends a powerful message about the government’s national priorities. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding young people who have shown dedication to personal development and community service.

The new directive is expected to significantly increase participation in the President’s Award programme while enhancing the quality and character of Kenya’s public service workforce.

Kiogora said all young people between the ages of 14 and 24 should take advantage of and take part in this prestigious life-changing programme.

ENDS…

For More Information, Please Contact:

• Name: Neddy Mbori, Senior Public Communications Officer
• Cell Phone: 0710121110
• Email: neddy.mbori@presidentsaward.go.ke

About The President’s Award-Kenya (PA-K)

The President’s Award-Kenya (PA-K) is a State Agency under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, established by an Act of Parliament, President’s Award Act No. 30 of 2017, and a franchise of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The President’s Award (PA) is an exciting self-development programme available to all young people countrywide between the ages of 14 and 24, equipping them with positive life skills to make a difference for themselves, their communities, country, and the world.

The Award is comprised of three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and four sections—Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey—which are designed to provide a balanced programme of personal development and challenge. Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. At the Gold level, participants also complete a Gold Residential Project.

Key Fact

His Excellency, The President of The Republic of Kenya and The Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, is the patron of the President’s Award-Kenya.