Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has tabled a motion in the Senate seeking improved pay and better job prospects for interns working under the Public Service Commission (PSC).

In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, October 3, 2025, Cherargei said he had begun the process to address the welfare of interns in the public sector.

He explained that the motion focuses on increasing their remuneration, recognising innovation among interns, and creating pathways for their transition from internship to permanent and pensionable employment.

“I have started to move the MOTION on WELFARE of Interns in the public service commission (PSC), inclusive of reward innovation and transition of employment opportunities to permanent and pensionable terms,” Cherargei stated.

The senator is proposing an increase in the monthly stipend given to Kenyans taking part in government internship programmes. He said the current pay is too low for young professionals struggling with the high cost of living, especially in cities.

In a notice he filed before the Senate on Monday, June 16, 2025, Cherargei called on the PSC to review its guidelines for internships to make them more supportive of those seeking stable employment.

According to the lawmaker, the stipend currently offered to interns, which ranges between Ksh15,000 and Ksh30,000, is unsustainable, particularly for those living in major urban areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

“The stipend offered to PSC interns is insufficient, with an average stipend ranging from Ksh15,000 to Ksh30,000 per month, which is not sustainable,” Cherargei said.

He also criticised the government internship programme for being too limited and for lacking a clear route to permanent and pensionable jobs.

Cherargei argued that the short duration of many internship placements makes it difficult for interns to acquire the skills they need to compete in the job market.

“Internship opportunities are limited in number, skewed in distribution across government departments and agencies, lack a clear pathway to permanent employment, and have inadequate opportunities for skill development,” he noted.