The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) stands as a cornerstone of the country’s financial stability and policy execution. As the premier institution responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy, promoting price stability, regulating currency issuance, and supervising financial institutions, the CBK plays a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s economic health. Beyond these critical mandates, the CBK also plays an instrumental role in capacity building for the nation’s youth. One of its flagship initiatives in this area is the Central Bank of Kenya Internship Program (CBKIP), a structured internship platform tailored to nurture fresh talent and prepare them for entry into Kenya’s competitive labor market.
For years, the CBK has invested significantly in the professional development of young Kenyans through its internship program. The goal is not merely to offer workplace exposure but to cultivate a generation of highly skilled, competent, and visionary professionals who can contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s financial sector and beyond. CBKIP is much more than a temporary assignment—it is a transformative experience designed to provide mentorship, skills enhancement, and insight into the inner workings of a central banking institution.
The internship program runs for a period of one year (12 months), after which successful participants are well-equipped to seek and secure employment in both public and private financial institutions. During this period, interns are immersed in the operational environment of CBK, engaged in dynamic projects, and exposed to cutting-edge practices across various departments.
Purpose of the CBK Internship Program
The CBKIP serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it supports the Central Bank’s strategic goal of nurturing young professionals who can later contribute to the larger financial ecosystem. Secondly, it offers participants an opportunity to better understand the practical applications of their academic knowledge. The program bridges the often challenging transition between the classroom and the workplace.
Participants benefit from direct mentorship by experienced professionals, access to internal training resources, participation in team projects, and regular performance feedback. This robust framework ensures that interns are not only gaining experience but are also developing the confidence and competence required to succeed in complex professional settings.
Who Should Apply
CBK is seeking applications from dynamic, motivated, and forward-thinking individuals who are recent graduates or final-year students looking to establish a firm foundation in Kenya’s financial landscape. This program is especially ideal for individuals who are keen to explore central banking, economic research, finance, public policy, information technology, communications, auditing, human resources, and general operations management.
Interns will be placed across different departments based on their academic backgrounds, areas of interest, and available opportunities within the Bank. The following is a comprehensive overview of the departments currently accepting interns under the CBKIP.
Detailed Internship Opportunities at CBK
The Central Bank of Kenya invites applications from suitably qualified individuals for internship positions across the following departments:
- Finance
- Research
- Banking and Payment Services
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Internal Audit and Risk
- General Services
- Information Technology
Each department offers a unique opportunity to explore specialized roles and contribute to the Bank’s objectives while gaining substantial industry exposure.
1. Finance Department
The Finance Department is the nerve center of budgeting, reporting, and financial control within the Bank. Interns placed in this department will get firsthand experience in the financial management of a major public institution.
Key responsibilities include:
- Participating in the preparation and monitoring of the Bank’s annual budgets and financial forecasts.
- Assisting in the reconciliation of expenditure against budgets, identifying variances, and recommending corrective action.
- Supporting financial audits by preparing necessary documentation and schedules.
- Working with finance officers to generate monthly and quarterly financial performance reports.
- Assisting with the development and implementation of financial control systems to ensure compliance with regulatory and internal frameworks.
- Engaging in cost-benefit analysis projects for operational and capital expenditures.
Interns in this department will develop a comprehensive understanding of public finance principles, financial control mechanisms, and international accounting standards.
2. Research Department
As the think-tank of the Bank, the Research Department plays a crucial role in the formulation of monetary policy and economic strategy. It provides economic data, forecasts, and research that support decision-making at the highest levels.
Intern responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the collection and compilation of economic data from various sources including government reports, international databases, and market trends.
- Supporting the construction and maintenance of econometric models used in policy analysis.
- Analyzing macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, inflation, employment trends, and interest rates.
- Preparing background briefs and economic summaries on emerging economic issues.
- Assisting in the drafting and formatting of working papers and publications.
- Contributing to research seminars, workshops, and presentations.
This role offers a strong foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a career in economics, public policy, or financial consultancy.
3. Banking and Payment Services Department
This department ensures the integrity and efficiency of payment systems while supporting the CBK’s core mandate of monetary regulation.
Intern duties include:
- Learning how clearing and settlement systems operate within the national payments infrastructure.
- Supporting efforts to modernize payment systems, including integration with mobile and digital banking platforms.
- Engaging with commercial banks and other financial institutions to monitor transaction flows and resolve technical issues.
- Participating in the documentation of compliance activities and operational risk assessments.
- Assisting in the analysis of payment system performance, including reliability, transaction volumes, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
This internship provides exposure to the intersection between technology, banking, and regulatory oversight.
4. Communications Department
Effective internal and external communication is critical for maintaining the CBK’s transparency and public trust. The Communications Department manages stakeholder engagement, media relations, and public education campaigns.
Intern duties include:
- Supporting the development of internal communications, including newsletters and staff updates.
- Drafting press releases, media briefs, and social media content for public dissemination.
- Assisting in managing the Bank’s brand identity through digital and print media.
- Monitoring news coverage and compiling daily media analysis reports.
- Helping to coordinate stakeholder events, media tours, and public awareness campaigns.
Interns here will gain practical skills in journalism, public relations, and digital content management.
5. Human Resources Department
The HR Department manages the full employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding to training, development, and separation. Interns joining this department will gain insight into the operations of human capital management within a regulatory environment.
Intern responsibilities include:
- Supporting the recruitment process through coordination of candidate screening, interview scheduling, and communication.
- Assisting in the documentation of new hires and maintaining up-to-date employee records.
- Supporting the implementation of learning and development programs, including training logistics and evaluation.
- Assisting with performance management tracking and reporting.
- Participating in staff engagement initiatives such as surveys, wellness programs, and recognition awards.
This internship will be invaluable for those considering careers in talent management, industrial relations, and organizational development.
6. Internal Audit and Risk Department
This department provides assurance on the adequacy of risk management processes and internal controls. Interns in this department will work under the guidance of seasoned auditors and risk managers.
Key roles include:
- Assisting in the execution of internal audit plans and reporting processes.
- Participating in risk assessments and development of mitigation strategies.
- Preparing audit working papers, documenting findings, and following up on audit recommendations.
- Supporting the development of fraud detection models and control systems.
- Reviewing departmental compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
This opportunity offers valuable exposure to audit processes, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
7. General Services Department
The General Services team is responsible for procurement, logistics, maintenance, and administration. Interns in this unit support the smooth day-to-day running of the Bank’s operations.
Intern responsibilities include:
- Assisting in procurement processes including vendor selection, bid evaluation, and contract management.
- Supporting inventory management, stocktaking, and documentation of fixed assets.
- Coordinating logistical arrangements for meetings, conferences, and official travel.
- Assisting with maintenance planning and facilities management tasks.
- Engaging in sustainability initiatives and workplace safety programs.
This department offers a hands-on role that emphasizes operational efficiency and resource stewardship.
8. Information Technology Department
The IT Department is the engine of digital transformation at CBK. Interns in this department will gain experience in systems development, IT support, cybersecurity, and infrastructure management.
Key tasks include:
- Providing first-line support to users by resolving hardware and software issues.
- Assisting in routine maintenance of servers, databases, and network infrastructure.
- Supporting the rollout and testing of new systems and applications.
- Participating in information security audits and assessments.
- Contributing to the documentation of IT procedures and policies.
This opportunity is ideal for those aspiring to work in systems administration, cybersecurity, or software development.
Application Procedure
The Central Bank of Kenya is inviting applications from motivated individuals seeking to join its internship program. Opportunities are offered across the departments listed above, and applicants are encouraged to align their applications with their academic background and career interests.
Important Note:
- The deadline for submitting applications is May 16, 2025.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Only online applications submitted through the official portal will be reviewed.
- The Bank will not entertain any form of canvassing or external influence.
Click here to Apply
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The Central Bank of Kenya is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged. The Bank adheres strictly to merit-based recruitment and reserves the right to disqualify candidates found engaging in canvassing.
