The State Department for Housing and Urban Development invites applications from qualified and enthusiastic graduates and diploma holders to participate in its Internship Programme – Cohort 1, as part of the Government’s national commitment to empower the youth and bridge the transition from learning to earning.
As part of the government’s flagship Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) and national urban development agenda, this internship initiative offers a unique opportunity for young Kenyans to contribute to the country’s housing and urban development priorities while gaining hands-on experience in real-world work environments across various project sites countrywide.
This is a major call to action for newly graduated individuals who are eager to develop their professional capacity and play a role in shaping the country’s built environment. A total of 4,000 internship positions are available under this programme, which will run for a non-renewable term of twelve (12) months.
About the State Department for Housing and Urban Development
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development, operating under the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, is mandated with implementing housing and urban development policies, programs, and projects. Its core responsibility is spearheading the development and implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme, upgrading informal settlements, and ensuring sustainable urban growth and planning across Kenya.
The department recognizes the critical role that young professionals can play in advancing these objectives and has launched this large-scale internship initiative to nurture future urban development leaders, technocrats, and service professionals.
Position Title: Internship Vacancies in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (Cohort 1)
Advert Number: 149/2025
Number of Positions: 4,000
Terms of Service: Internship (Non-renewable, Twelve Months)
Location: National – Deployed across Affordable Housing Programme and Marketing project sites
Stipend: Paid by the State Department at rates determined by the Government
Application Deadline: 11th August, 2025
Advert Date: 22nd July, 2025
Internship Position Overview
The internship programme is structured to offer hands-on training and mentorship to successful candidates who will be deployed to various sites across the country. Interns will be actively involved in various operational, field, and administrative aspects of the State Department’s Affordable Housing Programme and urban development initiatives.
Minimum Requirements for Appointment
To be eligible for this internship, a candidate must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma from a recognized institution in any of the following areas:
- Architecture
- Building and Civil Engineering
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Land Economics
- Real Estate
- Property Management
- Geomatic Engineering
- Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)
- Quantity Surveying
- Interior Design
- Land Survey
- Construction Management
- Community Development
- Information Technology
- Communication
- Project Management
- Environmental Planning/Studies
- Landscape Architecture
- Social Work
- Graphic Design
- Law
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Finance and Accounting
- Public Administration
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Human Resource Management
- Records Management
- Transport and Logistics
- Other relevant disciplines
- Have graduated not earlier than the year 2017.
- Be proficient in computer applications.
No prior work experience is required, making this an ideal opportunity for recent graduates looking to gain practical exposure in their respective fields.
Duties and Responsibilities
Interns will work under supervision and guidance from senior officers at various deployment sites across the country. The scope of responsibilities is designed to provide broad exposure to government operations, housing project implementation, and field-level experience.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Executing Assigned Duties:
- Carrying out tasks that are mutually agreed upon and assigned by supervisors at the deployment sites.
- Supporting departmental objectives through both technical and administrative assistance.
- Documenting Learning and Experiences:
- Maintaining detailed records of skills and knowledge gained throughout the internship.
- Providing progress reports on engagement in the Affordable Housing Programme and Marketing sites.
- Participation in Mentorship and Training Activities:
- Engaging in mentoring programmes designed by the State Department.
- Taking part in capacity-building activities, site meetings, project evaluations, and other developmental tasks.
- Collaboration and Teamwork:
- Working effectively with departmental teams, project staff, and other stakeholders.
- Supporting outreach and marketing functions related to AHP and community sensitization.
- Administrative and Operational Support:
- Assisting with filing, reporting, procurement documentation, and other clerical tasks as needed.
- Providing logistical support during field missions, events, exhibitions, or community mobilization campaigns.
Benefits of the Internship
This internship is structured to offer maximum exposure and professional development for participants. While it does not guarantee employment, it provides multiple advantages including:
- Workplace Readiness: Exposure to real-world projects that align with your academic background.
- Professional Mentorship: Guided learning under seasoned professionals in the field.
- National Impact: Participation in flagship government projects that directly impact the housing and urban planning sector.
- Monthly Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend as determined by the Government, allowing for basic sustenance during the internship period.
- Certification: On successful completion of the internship, participants will be issued a Certificate of Completion by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development.
Deployment Areas
Interns will be stationed across various project sites and headquarters of the State Department throughout the country. These include:
- Affordable Housing Project Sites in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and other major towns
- Informal settlement upgrading locations
- Regional Urban Planning Offices
- Marketing and community engagement units
- Departmental headquarters and administrative offices
Assignments will be aligned with the intern’s academic discipline, subject to the Department’s deployment needs.
Important Notes for Applicants
- The internship is strictly for graduates who have completed their diploma or degree programmes from 2017 onwards.
- Selection will be merit-based, and preference may be given to candidates who have not previously benefited from any government internship programme.
- Applicants should ensure their academic qualifications are from accredited institutions.
- Interns must demonstrate a willingness to work in different counties and under field conditions.
- This is a non-renewable internship, and no contract extension should be expected beyond the stipulated twelve months.
- Interns will be expected to adhere to public service codes of conduct and maintain a high level of professionalism during the entire internship period.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications through the Public Service Commission’s online recruitment portal. Applications should be completed and submitted on or before 11th August 2025.
No email submissions or manual applications will be accepted for this opportunity.
