The Senate is set to resume debate on October 28 on a motion that could increase stipends for interns working under the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The motion, tabled by Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey, calls for a comprehensive review of the Public Service Internship Program (PSIP) guidelines to improve the welfare of interns, many of whom struggle to meet basic living expenses in urban areas.
The Senate motion, titled Welfare of Interns Working Under the Public Service Commission, directs the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, in consultation with the PSC, to revise the October 2019 internship guidelines.
Raising Stipend for Public Service Interns
The review would focus on raising the current stipend which ranges between Ksh15,000 and Ksh30,000 per month and introducing mechanisms to promote innovation and reward exceptional performance among interns.
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Cherarkey argued that while the PSC internship program has provided valuable exposure for thousands of young graduates, the existing stipend fails to match the realities of Kenya’s high-cost economy.
Since its inception, the PSIP has played a vital role in equipping young professionals with practical work experience in government departments and agencies, often paving the way to permanent employment.
However, the motion notes several challenges, limited internship slots, unequal distribution across departments, lack of a clear transition path to employment, and inadequate skill development opportunities due to short internship durations.
Senate Debate Resumption
The debate, which was adjourned on October 1, will resume with senators expected to weigh in on how best to balance fiscal realities with the need to support young professionals entering public service.
If adopted, the motion would not immediately result in higher stipends but would compel the Ministry and the PSC to review and, if necessary, revise the 2019 guidelines to implement the proposed changes.
The motion could determine how young Kenyans perceive public service opportunities going forward.
This is not the first time Cherargei has filed a motion before the Senate demanding changes to the PSC internship program.
In May 2024, he filed a similar petition calling for a standardized pay for government interns.
He claimed that most interns across the country often go without pay, while those who do receive it either get small amounts or, in some cases, are provided only with breakfast and lunch as compensation.
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