Govt Opens Applications for Presidential Digital Talent Program Cohort XI

David Wafula

1 hour ago

President William Ruto has signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026 into law, establishing a national investment fund designed to preserve wealth generated from Kenya's natural resources and strategic investments for future generations. The new law creates a framework for investing revenues from petroleum, minerals and other strategic assets, with the aim of promoting long-term economic stability and sustainable national development. President Ruto described the legislation as a historic milestone that will ensure the country's natural resource wealth benefits both present and future generations. "With this consequential law, Kenya has put in place watertight mechanisms that will ensure the resources attained from strategic assets and natural resources endure for generations," Ruto said. He said the Sovereign Wealth Fund would ensure that proceeds from petroleum and other valuable mineral resources are not entirely consumed by the current generation but are invested for the benefit of future Kenyans. The Act establishes three key investment windows under the fund. The Stabilisation Fund will cushion the economy against internal and external shocks, while the Strategic Investment Window will finance commercially viable national development projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating jobs. The third component, known as the Urithi Fund, will preserve a portion of revenues from petroleum and mineral resources for future generations. Under the new law, 30 per cent of revenues generated from petroleum and mineral resources will be channelled into the Urithi Fund, with the remaining funds allocated to economic stabilisation and strategic investments. The Sovereign Wealth Fund becomes the second major financial institution established under the government's economic transformation agenda after the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) in March 2026, which was designed to mobilise private capital for infrastructure development. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki welcomed the enactment of the law, describing it as one of Kenya's most significant economic reforms. "The entry into force of the Sovereign Wealth Act is one of the most consequential economic steps ever," Kindiki said. He noted that the legislation establishes a ring-fenced investment fund financed through proceeds from oil and mineral sales to help shield the country from economic shocks, including global crises such as the recent conflict involving Iran. According to Kindiki, part of the fund will be invested in commercially viable strategic infrastructure projects to generate returns, while 30 per cent of the proceeds will be reserved for future generations. "Today, Kenya has joined the ranks of Norway, the UAE, Kuwait and Botswana, ensuring use of the proceeds from our natural resources benefits both the current and future generations," he said.

The government has opened applications for the 11th cohort of the Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP), targeting young university graduates seeking to build careers in information and communications technology.

The ICT Authority, in a notice issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, invited qualified recent graduates to apply for the 12-month internship programme, which will provide opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

“Through this transformative initiative, the Government is looking for young talented Kenyans with a passion for ICT and Public Service to undergo a structured 12-month internship program in both the public and private sectors,” the authority said.

The programme is designed to equip young ICT graduates with practical workplace experience and prepare them for employment opportunities in ICT and other sectors of the economy.

Participants will receive mentorship from industry professionals, strengthen their technical and professional skills, refine their career aspirations and build professional networks.

The ICT Authority said 400 internship opportunities will be available across five areas of specialisation.

These include:

Network and Digital Infrastructure – 150 positions
Software Development and Artificial Intelligence – 100 positions
Information Security – 50 positions
Data Analytics – 50 positions
Multimedia, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing – 50 positions

Successful applicants will be deployed to Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Corporations and County Governments across the 47 counties.

The interns will be expected to work on a full-time basis from 8am to 5pm.

Applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged between 21 and 29 years and must have graduated within the last two years, from January 2024.

They must have attained First Class or Second Class Honours, Upper Division, or an equivalent qualification, from a recognised institution.

Applicants awaiting graduation by December 2026 may also apply, provided they submit a recommendation or reference letter from their university, duly signed and stamped, confirming that they are expected to graduate with First Class or Upper Second Class Honours.

Eligible graduates must hold a bachelor’s degree in ICT or an engineering-related discipline.

The relevant fields include Information Technology, ICT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications and other closely related disciplines.

Applicants must also demonstrate adequate knowledge of their chosen area of specialisation.

The ICT Authority said applicants may be required to demonstrate their technical competencies in their respective areas before proceeding to interviews.

The programme is open to unemployed graduates who have not previously undertaken a Government of Kenya internship programme.

Successful candidates must also be willing to be deployed to any eligible government institution or county government across the country.

The authority said female applicants, persons with disabilities and graduates from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants are required to complete the online application form through the official PDTP application portal.

Apply for PDTP Cohort XI

Applicants must attach the relevant documents specified in the application form.

The ICT Authority warned that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend the interview stage.

For further enquiries, applicants can contact the ICT Authority through pdtp@icta.go.ke.