A bill to ensure that all interns placed in the public sector are paid a monthly stipend has been introduced in parliament by Samburu west MP (Member of Parliament) Naisula Lesuuda.  

Public Service Internship Bill 

The public service Internship Bill of 2021 seeks to establish a legal framework regulating internship programmes in the public service sector.  

The bill wants provision of a monthly stipend, personal accident insurance cover (for the period of internship), and other entitlements to interns in the public service.  

Interns shall also be eligible for sick leave, maternity or paternity leave, and subsistence allowance.  

Institutions of placement will be required to issue a certificate of internship to interns upon successful completion of their internship programme. 

The internship period shall last for a period not exceeding 12 months. 

Who is eligible for public service internship? 

Persons that shall be eligible for internship under The Public Service Internship Bill, 2021 include: 

• Graduates that have completed their certificate, diploma, or degree qualification
• Unemployed graduates
• Graduates with professional qualifications that are required to undertake internships by their professional bodies  
• Graduates that have not been exposed to work experience
• Individuals that not previously vacated formal employment through removal or resignation  

The bill is currently in its first reading stage. We will publish an update once the Bill is approved and becomes law.