The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya is once again opening doors for thousands of recent graduates seeking practical work experience and career mentorship in the public sector. Through the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) – now entering its 8th cohort – the Commission invites applications from qualified, energetic, and motivated Kenyan youth to serve across various government ministries, departments, and agencies for a period of twelve (12) months.
This internship opportunity, which has been instrumental in shaping the career paths of young professionals in Kenya since its inception, is designed to provide practical work exposure, sharpen skills, and enhance employability in both the public and private sectors.
About the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP)
The PSIP is a government-initiated scheme aimed at developing a pool of young talent for the Kenyan labor market. Interns serve in different public service institutions to bridge the gap between academic training and the demands of the job market. This initiative fosters the development of future public service professionals by giving them structured mentorship, exposure to real work situations, and access to professional networks.
For Cohort 8, the PSC seeks to engage 7,000 interns on a twelve-month non-renewable contract.
Position: Public Service Intern (PSIP – Cohort 8)
Advert No.: 153/2025
Job Grade: CSG 11
Number of Positions: 7,000
Terms of Service: Internship (12 months, non-renewable)
Stipend: Paid at a rate determined by the Government of Kenya
Closing Date for Applications: 18th August 2025
Internship Overview
Interns recruited under PSIP Cohort 8 will be deployed across ministries, state departments, agencies, and county offices throughout Kenya. This program offers selected candidates the opportunity to gain valuable public service experience while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Interns will work under the supervision of designated officers in the host organizations and will be assigned duties aligned with their area of academic training and public service needs.
Minimum Requirements for Appointment
To qualify for this opportunity, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university in Kenya or abroad;
- Must have graduated not earlier than 2018;
- Be proficient in computer applications;
- Be available full-time for the twelve-month duration of the internship.
Note: No prior work experience is required. This internship is not restricted to serving officers.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The interns will undertake a range of tasks under the guidance of their respective supervisors. Specific responsibilities will vary based on the deployment department, but general duties include:
- Performing Assigned Tasks
Interns will be expected to carry out duties as mutually agreed upon and assigned by their supervisors. These tasks will be relevant to the department’s daily operations and aligned with the intern’s educational background. - Documenting Learning and Experiences
Interns are expected to maintain a record of the skills and competencies acquired during the internship period. This documentation will be useful for their personal development and future job applications. - Participating in Mentorship and Development Programs
Interns will be involved in professional development activities including mentorship programs, capacity-building sessions, and workshops designed to enrich their understanding of public sector work and governance.
Internship Benefits
Though this opportunity is not a guarantee of future employment within the public service, the internship offers several key benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: All interns will receive a monthly stipend to cover their basic upkeep. The rate will be determined and disbursed by the Government of Kenya.
- Professional Mentorship: Interns will have access to structured mentorship by experienced public service officers.
- Workplace Exposure: Interns will be immersed in real-life work environments where they can apply their academic training and gain practical experience.
- Networking Opportunities: The internship offers a platform to build professional networks that may prove beneficial in the future.
- Boosted Employability: Past PSIP participants have used their internship experience to secure employment in both the public and private sectors.
Important Considerations
- The internship is strictly twelve (12) months long and not renewable under any circumstances.
- Interns are not eligible for employment in the public service during the internship period.
- All successful applicants must be ready to work in any part of the country, depending on the deployment needs of the public service.
- Applicants who have previously benefited from the Public Service Internship Programme are not eligible to apply again.
The Role of Interns in Public Service
Interns will be assigned across diverse government functions, including but not limited to:
- Public administration
- Finance and budgeting
- Human resource management
- Planning and development
- Research and data analysis
- ICT and digital services
- Records management
- Health, agriculture, and education support services
- Legal and regulatory affairs
- Communication and public relations
This cross-cutting exposure will enable the interns to learn from real-time service delivery mechanisms and national development efforts while sharpening their soft and technical skills.
Who Should Apply?
This internship is open to recent Kenyan graduates who are eager to build their careers, explore public service, and contribute to national growth. The PSC encourages applications from individuals of diverse academic backgrounds, with the only requirement being a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Whether your field is in sciences, arts, commerce, education, ICT, law, engineering, or social sciences, you are eligible to apply.
This program particularly targets young professionals who:
- Are currently unemployed or underemployed;
- Have a keen interest in governance and public administration;
- Are willing to relocate or be deployed to any part of the country;
- Demonstrate integrity, discipline, and a commitment to public service.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the Public Service Commission job portal on or before Monday, 18th August 2025.
All applicants are required to:
- Create an account on the PSC online recruitment system;
- Complete their profile, including education history and personal information;
- Select the internship opportunity (PSIP Cohort 8 – Advert No. 153/2025);
- Upload scanned copies of academic certificates, transcripts, and a national ID or passport.
Late applications or submissions made outside the PSC online platform will not be considered.
Selection Process
After the application deadline, the Commission will review and shortlist eligible candidates. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further assessment or placement interviews, depending on the requirements of various ministries or departments. Communication regarding placement will be made through the official PSC portal or SMS/email.
Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously benefited from similar government-sponsored internship programs. Gender, regional balance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be considered during the selection process.
Key Dates
- Advert Published: 29th July 2025
- Application Deadline: 18th August 2025
- Internship Start Date (expected): October/November 2025
- Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
This is an incredible opportunity to kick-start your career in public service, gain first-hand experience in the operations of government, and position yourself for future success in the job market. With 7,000 positions available, graduates from every part of Kenya are encouraged to apply and be part of this transformative national initiative.
Apply Now
For inquiries, visit the PSC website or contact the Public Service Commission offices during official working hours.
