NAIROBI, Kenya – Youth entering public institutions for work experience are set for improved protections, guaranteed stipends and formalised learning structures after the National Assembly approved the Public Service Internship Bill, 2022 — legislation that could overhaul how government internships are managed.
The Bill, sponsored by Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, now awaits President William Ruto’s assent.
If signed into law, it will establish Kenya’s first comprehensive legal framework for internships in government, addressing long-running concerns about exploitation, corruption and lack of oversight.
Stipends, Leave and Insurance
Under the proposed law, interns will be entitled to a monthly stipend, maternity and paternity leave, sick leave, and personal accident insurance for the duration of their placement.
The specific rates and entitlements will be set by the Public Service Cabinet Secretary through regulations vetted by Parliament’s Committee on Delegated Legislation.
“Every intern engaged in public service shall be eligible for payment of such monthly stipend as the Cabinet Secretary shall prescribe,” the Bill states.
However, interns will not qualify for pension or gratuity. Placements will run for a minimum of three months and a maximum of one year.
Crackdown on Nepotism and Mismanagement
MPs said past internship programmes were frequently mismanaged, marred by favouritism and nepotism, and lacked clear structures for learning, leaving many young people as unpaid helpers rather than trainees.
To curb abuse, the Bill requires all public institutions to publicly advertise available positions “on the website of the institution and in at least two newspapers of nationwide circulation.”
Adverts must specify areas of specialisation, number of interns required, duration of the internship and deadlines.
Eligibility will be open to candidates who have completed a certificate, diploma or degree from a recognised Kenyan institution and who have not previously gained practical experience in their field.
Structured Training and Supervision
Public institutions will also be required to establish internship management committees tasked with planning programmes, budgeting, assigning mentors and monitoring interns’ progress.
Institutions must provide adequate facilities to ensure interns acquire relevant skills.
The Bill outlines grounds for termination, including absence without approval for 24 hours, misconduct, disobedience and involvement in criminal activity. Interns wishing to resign must issue a 30-day written notice.
Lawmakers Praise “Major Win for Youth”
Several MPs hailed the Bill as an important step for youth empowerment and fair labour practices.
“I am happy for the millions of young people in this country whose internship now has a legal framework,” said Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu. “In the past, it was loosely handled. We hope the Bill will be assented to soon.”
Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga said the absence of guidelines had left internship programmes open to abuse for years, while Seme MP James Nyikal added that the Bill finally acknowledges the value of interns’ work.
Lesuuda, the sponsor, thanked her colleagues for supporting the legislation.
“We now have a legal document. I hope interns will be treated better than before and will gain the requisite experience,” she said.
If signed by President Ruto, the law will take effect immediately, ushering in a new era for government internship programmes.
