The National Assembly has passed the Public Service Internship Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bill No. 63 of 2022), which establishes a legal framework for internships in the public service and provides for monthly stipends, insurance, and other entitlements for interns during the program.
Sponsored by Samburu West Member of Parliament Naisula Lesuuda, the bill now awaits presidential assent and seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience while safeguarding interns from exploitation.
Key Provisions of the Public Service Internship Bill, 2022
Some of the key provisions of the bill address the process of recruitment, including eligibility and advertising requirements.
As per the provisions of the bill, internship opportunities must be advertised in at least two national newspapers and on official government websites.
In addition, the bill seeks to govern the entitlements and responsibilities of interns in public service institutions. If signed into law, the newly passed bill mandates the payment of a monthly stipend and insurance coverage.
Interns will also be entitled to other benefits, such as sick and maternity leave.
Eligibility is restricted to unemployed graduates with recognized qualifications who seek practical experience or professional registration. Internships will run for a minimum of three months and a maximum of twelve months.
Under the new law, interns working in public service institutions will be entitled to:
- A monthly stipend, the amount to be set by regulations
- Personal accident insurance coverage
- Sick leave and maternity or paternity leave
- Subsistence allowance to cover basic needs such as food and transport
Part III of the bill also gives the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Public Service the authority to make regulations to implement the Act.
The delegated powers are limited to administrative matters and may not restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
Financial Implications
The Bill qualifies as a money Bill under Article 114 of the Constitution because its enactment will occasion additional expenditure from public funds.
Ministries, departments, and county governments will be required to budget for internship programs annually.
Naisula argues that the cost is justified by the long-term benefits of reducing unemployment and enhancing workforce readiness.
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The law draws its mandate from Article 55 of the Constitution, which obligates the State to implement measures that guarantee youth access to education, training, and employment.
By institutionalizing internships, the government hopes to create structured pathways for graduates to gain professional skills and contribute to public service delivery.
Kenya currently lacks a comprehensive law governing internships, leaving many graduates vulnerable to unpaid placements and inconsistent standards.
By institutionalizing stipends, insurance, and leave entitlements, the Public Service Internship Bill seeks to transform internships from informal arrangements into structured programs that uphold dignity and fairness.
Once signed, the Bill will mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s labor policy, offering thousands of graduates a pathway to employment while ensuring public institutions benefit from fresh talent and innovation.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Public service institutions that fail to implement internship programs or deny interns the entitlements provided under the Act will face administrative sanctions under existing public service regulations.
These measures are intended to enforce uniform application of the law and protect interns from exploitation.
The Cabinet Secretary may also issue compliance directives, require institutions to submit periodic reports on the implementation of internships, and recommend corrective actions to ensure full compliance with the law.
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