The Public Service Commission (PSC) has begun reviewing the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) Policy to expand eligibility to graduates from diploma programmes and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 4, PSC Chairperson Francis Meja said the revamped policy will aim to involve the private sector, introduce entrepreneurship training for interns, and establish a savings scheme to help participants prepare for life after the internship.
“The focus should now shift to what happens during and after the PSIP programme. A revamped programme will bring the private sector on board, provide entrepreneurship training, and introduce a savings scheme for interns,” Meja said.
The review was announced by PSC Chairperson Francis Meja during a courtesy call on Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya at the NSSF Building.
PSC Reviews Internship Policy to Include TVET and Diploma Graduates
Oparanya, on his part, called for the consolidation of government internship programmes under a single framework to enhance coordination and ensure uniform standards.
He said a centralised internship programme would enable the government to monitor interns’ progress and performance more effectively while guaranteeing equal benefits for all interns regardless of the institution where they are placed.
He said the review is aimed at strengthening the programme by improving outcomes for young graduates while broadening access to internship opportunities.
“We all serve the same government. The internship programme should be centralized to ensure quality control and standardization. All interns should receive the same benefits across the board,” Oparanya said.
The proposed changes will also shift the programme’s focus beyond internship placement to equip participants with skills and opportunities after completing the programme.
What the Internship Is All About
The Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) is the government’s flagship youth empowerment initiative administered by the Public Service Commission.
It provides university graduates with 12 months of workplace experience, professional mentorship and networking opportunities in ministries, state corporations and public universities.
Interns currently receive a monthly stipend of KSh25,000 and are awarded a certificate upon successful completion of the programme.
Under the current policy, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, have graduated in 2020 or later, demonstrate computer proficiency, and must not have previously benefited from a similar government internship programme.
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The latest recruitment under the Public Service Internship Programme for the 2026/2027 financial year is offering 3,000 internship opportunities nationwide. Applications close on August 17, 2026.
Interested and eligible graduates are required to submit their applications through the Public Service Commission’s online recruitment portal via the PSC websites: www.publicservice.go.ke or www.psckjobs.go.ke.
Under the current eligibility criteria, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, have graduated in 2020 or later, demonstrate computer proficiency and must not have previously benefited from a similar government internship programme.
Candidates are also required to be proficient in computer skills and must not have previously benefited from a similar internship program.
The PSC stated that successful interns will be expected to complete duties assigned by their supervisors during the internship period.
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