Interns Set for Monthly Stipend and Insurance Cover as Parliament Approves Public Service Internship Bill
Kenyan interns serving in public institutions are poised to receive a monthly stipend, personal accident insurance and formal labour protections after the National Assembly approved the Public Service Internship Bill, 2022. The proposed law now awaits President William Ruto’s assent.
The Bill—championed by Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda—seeks to establish a structured, transparent and uniform internship framework across government departments, addressing what lawmakers described as long-standing gaps in accountability and fairness.
Under the new provisions, interns will be entitled to a stipend, sick leave, and maternity or paternity leave. They will also benefit from a personal accident insurance cover valid for the duration of their internship. However, they will not qualify for pension or gratuity, with placements lasting a minimum of three months and capped at one year.
According to the text of the Bill, “Every intern engaged in the Public Service shall be eligible for payment of such monthly stipend as the Cabinet Secretary shall prescribe in regulations.” The exact stipend amount and leave entitlements will be set by the Public Service Cabinet Secretary and submitted to the Committee on Delegated Legislation for approval.
Addressing Systemic Complaints
Lawmakers argued that while government internship programmes have existed for years, many have lacked consistency, transparency and meaningful oversight. Several MPs described the current system as “haphazard” and prone to corruption, nepotism and favouritism, often locking young applicants out of opportunities.
During debate, legislators stressed the need to create structured pathways that genuinely enhance skill development.
Seme MP James Nyikal said many young people were routinely exploited: “The issue of interns had become abusive in some ways because many young people were taken into institutions, did meaningful work, but their work was not appreciated. Many times we have had people saying that these are students and therefore cannot be remunerated. This Bill now cures that.”
Transparent Recruitment Requirements
To restore confidence in the process, the Bill makes it mandatory for all public service institutions to publicly declare internship vacancies and ensure nationwide access to information.
“A person in charge of a public service institution shall advertise the internship opportunities on the website of the public service institution and in at least two newspapers of nationwide circulation,” the Bill states. Advertisements must include details such as required areas of specialisation, number of available positions, duration and application deadlines.
Eligibility will be open to individuals who have completed certificate, diploma or degree courses from recognised institutions and have not previously gained work experience in their field of study.
New Oversight Committees
Every public institution hosting interns will be required to form an internship management committee responsible for planning, budgeting and ensuring interns are provided with the tools and oversight needed for professional growth. The committees will also appoint mentors, monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes.
Interns, however, will be expected to adhere to strict conduct rules. Placements may be terminated if an intern is absent without permission for 24 hours, engages in gross misconduct, disobeys lawful instructions or commits a criminal offence. Those wishing to voluntarily end their internship must provide a 30-day written notice.
Lawmakers Welcome the Reforms
MPs across the political divide praised the Bill as a long-overdue reform that could significantly improve the prospects and welfare of Kenya’s young graduates.
Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu welcomed the framework, saying: “I’m happy for the millions of youths in this country whose internship now has a legal framework. Previously, it was just loosely handled, but this House has really considered the plight of the youth, and I hope it will be assented to into an Act of Parliament soon.”
Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga echoed this view, noting that the absence of clear rules had previously created an environment susceptible to abuse. “Previously, there were no guidelines on how internship was being managed, which made it open even for abuse,” he said.
Lesuuda, the sponsor of the Bill, expressed optimism that the new law would usher in a more equitable internship culture across government. “We now have a legal document. I hope interns will be treated better in this country and will also gain the requisite experience as they do their work,” she said.
President Ruto will determine the Bill’s fate in the coming days, with supporters urging swift assent to allow the reforms to take effect.
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Interns Set for Monthly Stipend and Insurance Cover as Parliament Approves Public Service Internship Bill