PSC Announces Internship Opportunities for Seventh Cohort: A New Chapter in Youth Empowerment

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has officially launched the recruitment process for the seventh cohort of the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) for the 2024/2025 period. This initiative, designed to empower and equip recent graduates with practical skills, promises to continue its vital role in youth employment and development.

Aiming for Impact

The PSIP offers recent graduates an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience by placing them in various Ministries, State Departments, Corporations, and Public Universities across Kenya. This year’s cohort will engage in a non-renewable 12-month internship, during which they will be exposed to real-world tasks and responsibilities pertinent to their fields of study.

Eligible candidates must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university no earlier than 2018 and possess strong computer skills. The application window is open until September 2, 2024, and interested graduates are encouraged to apply through the PSC’s job portal.

Compensation and Certification

Interns will receive a monthly stipend of Ksh 25,000, consistent with the rates provided to previous cohorts. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a certificate, recognizing their contribution and the skills they have acquired during their tenure. This certificate not only symbolizes the practical experience gained but also enhances their employability and professional credentials.

Objectives and Achievements

Launched in 2019, the PSIP has positively impacted over 25,000 graduates, significantly contributing to the development of Kenya’s workforce. The programme’s primary goal is to provide college graduates with practical experience that enhances their employment prospects, networking capabilities, and entrepreneurial skills.

A Call for Reform

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has voiced strong support for reforming the PSIP. He highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes private sector involvement. During his vetting by Parliament, Muturi criticized the current design of the programme, describing it as poorly conceived and narrowly implemented.

Muturi advocates for the integration of the private sector into the internship programme, suggesting that it could be incentivized to take in interns. He believes that without such reform, the programme may fall short of its potential and could even exacerbate frustrations among young job seekers.

“This programme should be reworked, re-looked, and re-engineered to involve the private sector,” Muturi emphasized. “The private sector should be incentivized to take interns. If we take this route without re-engineering the programme, we will just be creating more anger for the country. We must think about this programme collaboratively.”

Looking Ahead

The proposed reforms aim to enhance the effectiveness of the PSIP by expanding its reach and increasing its impact. Integrating the private sector could provide more diverse and comprehensive opportunities for interns, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

As the recruitment for the seventh cohort unfolds, it represents not just an opportunity for individual growth but also a step towards a more robust and inclusive approach to youth employment. The PSC’s continued efforts, coupled with potential reforms, hold promise for further enriching the professional landscape for Kenya’s young graduates.

For those interested in participating, the deadline for applications is September 2, 2024. This is a chance to be part of a transformative programme that has already made a significant difference in the lives of many Kenyan graduates.