Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced that the government is developing a comprehensive framework to strengthen internship opportunities within the public service, with the rollout expected to begin next year.

Speaking on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during a town hall engagement organised by a local TV station, CS Ruku acknowledged the challenges facing interns, including limited opportunities and a lack of structured absorption mechanisms into permanent roles.

Absorbing interns

He, however, emphasised that the government is determined to address these gaps by ensuring interns are not only trained but also considered for available positions within the civil service.

“We have an issue as far as interns are concerned, but at the moment, we have a team put in place from different agencies and ministries,” Ruku stated.

“The team is working on a framework to ensure that we not only have a robust internship programme starting next year but also a way of ensuring that interns who go through the programme are taken care of in terms of available job opportunities.”

The announcement comes at a time when thousands of graduates continue to grapple with unemployment despite completing higher education.

The proposed framework, according to Ruku, will aim to bridge the gap between learning institutions and the labour market by equipping young Kenyans with practical skills and pathways to employment.

Public Service internship

The Public Service Internship Programme was first introduced in 2019 as part of government efforts to equip young graduates with practical work experience in various ministries, departments, and state agencies. Each year, the programme has recruited thousands of interns for a 12-month placement, offering them a monthly stipend.

While PSIP has provided valuable exposure and mentorship to graduates, it has also faced criticism over the lack of absorption into permanent jobs after completion. Many beneficiaries complete their internships only to return to the unemployment pool, raising concerns about the programme’s long-term impact.

Ruku’s remarks signal a possible shift in government policy, with a renewed commitment to not only expand internship opportunities but also create clearer pathways for graduates to transition into permanent roles within the public service.