The Public Service Commission (PSC) is set to interview 6,673 candidates for 2,000 internship positions under the seventh cohort of the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP). The interviews will take place over three days, from Wednesday, November 20, 2024, to Friday, November 22, 2024, starting at 8:30 a.m. each day.
This year’s interview process marks a significant departure from previous methods, as for the first time, the PSC will conduct all interviews by telephone, as opposed to the traditional in-person format. The decision to shift to virtual interviews reflects the evolving landscape of recruitment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and technological advancements that have streamlined such processes.
The candidates selected for the PSIP internships have been shortlisted from a pool of applicants aiming to secure a 12-month, non-renewable internship in various government ministries, departments, and agencies. These internships are designed to provide recent graduates with practical work experience, enhancing their employability and providing valuable networking opportunities. The program also aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, furthering the government’s efforts to empower the youth and address unemployment challenges in Kenya.
Shortlisted candidates have been advised to prepare thoroughly for their telephone interviews, ensuring that they have all the necessary documentation on hand. Required documents include original identification cards (ID or passport) and academic or professional certificates, which must be readily available for reference during the interview. This attention to detail highlights the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.
In a message posted on X, the PSC emphasized the importance of preparation, urging all candidates to familiarize themselves with the job requirements and the roles available in different government sectors. The PSC has assured candidates that the recruitment process is in line with constitutional requirements, ensuring diversity and gender balance in the selection process. The names of shortlisted candidates can be accessed on the PSC website, and further updates regarding the interviews will be available on the PSC job portal.
The PSIP initiative is part of the government’s broader youth empowerment efforts, which aim to bridge the gap between education and the labor market by providing college graduates with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. The program seeks to address the high levels of youth unemployment by giving young people a platform to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
As the interviews begin, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has underscored the need for reforms to expand the PSIP to include the private sector. Upon assuming office, Muturi stated that the private sector should be incentivized to take in interns as part of a wider strategy to ensure that more young people have access to internship opportunities beyond the public sector. His vision for the program is to create a more inclusive and sustainable internship model, where both public and private sector institutions play a role in developing Kenya’s next generation of leaders and professionals.
The expansion of the PSIP to incorporate the private sector aligns with global trends where internships are increasingly seen as a critical part of the career development process. Private companies, especially in industries such as technology, finance, and communications, offer diverse learning environments that could be beneficial to young graduates. By involving the private sector, the government hopes to create a more balanced approach to internship opportunities, which will further enhance the prospects of young people entering the workforce.
In conclusion, the upcoming interviews for the PSIP internship positions represent an important milestone in the government’s efforts to support youth employment. As the PSC embarks on this new phase of virtual interviews, candidates are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunity to showcase their skills and qualifications. Meanwhile, the proposed inclusion of the private sector in the internship program offers an exciting avenue for expanding opportunities for young graduates, ensuring a well-rounded and diverse workforce for Kenya’s future.
