New Paid Work Opportunities Open for Young Refugee Graduates in Kenya
Kakuma, 12 August 2026
The Mastercard Foundation has launched a 12-month paid associates programme in Kenya, offering vital work experience and mentorship to help young refugee graduates transition into the professional job market.
Expanding Professional Pathways for Displaced Youth
The transition from graduation to formal employment is often a steep climb for young professionals, but for refugees and displaced youth, the hurdles are uniquely high [1]. To address this gap, the Mastercard Foundation Associates Programme, launched in April 2026, offers structured 12-month paid work placements across Africa, including for those living in Kenya [1]. This initiative provides critical hands-on work experience, professional mentorship, and intensive employability training [1]. On International Youth Day, celebrated on 12 August 2026, the global community is reminded that while young people’s contexts may differ, their aspirations to learn, earn, and build a secure future remain universal [4].
Navigating Regulatory and Practical Barriers in Kenya
While programs like this provide vital career springboards, navigating the job market as a refugee in Kenya requires compliance with specific legal frameworks. Unlike Uganda or Rwanda, where employment rights are more flexible, Kenya requires refugees to hold a valid refugee ID, obtain an employer support letter, and secure a tax compliance certificate to work legally [5]. To ease this process, collaborative platforms like the Amahoro Skills Hub—developed by the Amahoro Coalition in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation—help connect displaced professionals directly with willing employers [5]. This digital hub has already registered over 8,000 refugee professionals and facilitated more than 2,070 job applications [5].
Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply
To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Programme, applicants must meet specific requirements. The program is open to young people aged between 18 and 35 across Africa, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) [1]. Eligible candidates must be recent graduates with zero to two years of active work experience [1]. Additionally, the programme prioritises alumni of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme as well as alumni of other Mastercard Foundation initiatives [1].
Accessing Application Support and Avoiding Scams
Eligible candidates can access practical application tips, mentorship, and guidance through the Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community group on LinkedIn [1]. Detailed information and portal access are also available on the program’s dedicated webpage [1]. Jobseekers are encouraged to use these verified, reputable platforms to protect themselves. As Abigail, a refugee jobseeker, notes, using official platforms helps candidates distinguish genuine professional opportunities from online employment scams while establishing a direct, hopeful line of communication with potential employers [5].
The Broader Economic Impact of Refugee Inclusion
Integrating refugee talent into the formal workforce is increasingly recognised as a distinct commercial advantage rather than a charitable act. Research by the World Bank indicates that businesses hire displaced professionals to fill critical skill vacancies, leverage diverse language skills, and access new community networks [5]. The scale of this opportunity is evident in the database of the Amahoro Skills Hub, where employers have posted 311 vacancies, resulting in over 2,070 applications—averaging 6.656 applications per listed vacancy [5]. Grassroots initiatives, such as the software and cybersecurity training founded by Amahoro Fellow Kiza Mauridi in the Kakuma refugee camp, prove that when given the right skills, displaced youth can secure competitive international roles [5].