Gold Award Presentation Ceremony – 2026

Celebrating Excellence: Honoring the next generation of achievers at the Gold Award Presentation Ceremony! 🌟✨ #FutureLeaders #GoldAward

Gold Award Presentation Ceremony – 2026

Celebrating Excellence: Honoring the next generation of achievers at the Gold Award Presentation Ceremony! 🌟✨ #FutureLeaders #GoldAward

The Award Challenge

The Award challenges young people to develop the skills and tools to improve themselves and their communities by encouraging them to go beyond their comfort zone.

Equipping young people

Aims at equipping them with positive life skills to enable them make a difference for themselves, their communities, country and the world.

Supporting Young People

Over 40,000 young people participating in the Award in over 750 schools, Universities, Middle level Colleges, Youth groups, rehabilitation centres

Social Inclusion

Currently running in 10 Correctional institutions across the Country with an objective of rehabilitating young offenders

Discovering your infinite potential

The award helps to identify hidden skills and natures them to perfection

Who We Are

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, The President’s Award Act (CAP 216C), and a franchise of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The President’s Award is an exciting self-development programme available to all young people aged 14–24 nationwide, equipping them with positive life skills to make a difference for themselves, their communities, their country, and the world.

What is the Award Programme?

The Award Framework is tailored around three levels (Bronze, Silver & Gold) and four mandatory pillars (Skills, Adventurous Journey, Voluntary Service, and Physical Recreation). The Award’s tiered system celebrates commitment and growth, with the Gold Award honorably presented by His Excellency the President at State House.

At the heart of the Award is the spirit of volunteering; encouraging a culture of helping others, promoting social/national cohesion, building resilience, and transforming communities.

Award in Kenya

Since its inception in 1966, PA-K has provided non-formal learning opportunities for tens of thousands of youth. Our programme gives young people a structured framework to develop resilience, confidence, and practical skills outside the classroom. From urban centers to rural communities, our alumni are proof that the Award inspires purpose, nurtures talents, and fosters a spirit of service to society.

About the Award

The President’s Award-Kenya is the leading youth achievement award, equipping young people for life.

The Award Scheme is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development program that empowers all young people aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their true purpose, passion, and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstances.

The Award Scheme is a fully inclusive program and has no social, political, or religious affiliations.

Award Levels

The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections.

Participants complete all four Sections at each level in order to achieve either their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. At Gold level, Participants also complete a Residential Project.

Award Levels in Action

Award Participants 1
Award Sections Diagram

Special Projects

The President’s Compass Project

The Compass Project promotes the delivery of the Award Programme through the digital platform. The project has been running in phases and is currently winding up on Phase 3.

Phase I was launched on 15th January 2016 with an initial 200 participants from 20 institutions across 11 counties. Following success, Phase II (2017) and Phase III (2019) each added 200 more, totaling 600 directly sponsored participants pursuing Bronze to Gold levels in 38 Award Centres.

Thousands more non-sponsored participants benefited via the digital platform. Phase 4 added 30 more Award Centres (300 additional sponsored participants). Each centre receives computers, sleeping bags, and rucksacks to support logging activities and Adventurous Journeys.

Overall, the Compass Project has fast-tracked PA-K’s transition to a digital platform and forms part of the 100 Centers of Excellence for uptake. Since 2016, it has enabled 600 young people in 20+ institutions to pursue the Award, thanks to volunteers, supporters, and partners.

Award Sections/Activites

Voluntary Service.

This section of the Award encourages young people to learn how to connect and give useful service to their communities. It may include voluntary service in hospitals, supporting those in need like the elderly and those with special needs, providing first Aid or rescue services.
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Physical Recreation.

It encourages improved performance and physical fitness. Participants are encouraged to take part in organized physical recreation and show individual progress. These activities include, ball sports, water sports, athletics, martial arts, dancing, yoga among others.
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Skills.

This Section encourages the development of personal interests, practical and social skills. It provides the opportunity for a Participant to either improve on an existing skill, or to try something new. Examples are arts and craft, computing, music, communication and games.
Adventurous Journey

Its aim is to encourages a sense of adventure whilst undertaking a team journey or expedition. The journey may be an exploration done by foot or bicycle undertaken with a defined purpose in an unfamiliar environment but kept within a safe and secure setting, achieved through suitable training and supervision. Participants may explore flora and fauna, do mountain climbing, sailing across an ocean or completing a demanding journey by foot, cycle, canoe or kayak.
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Gold Residential project.

At Gold level, young people are required to undertake a residential project which allows them the experience to get involved with others outside their usual places of residence for a period of 5 days.
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