Interns in public institutions to receive stipends, leave and insurance under new law

Youth joining public institutions for work experience are set to benefit from legal protections, allowances, and other perks if President William Ruto signs the Public Service Internship Bill, 2022, into law.

The National Assembly approved the legislation, championed by Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, to create a structured, transparent system for internships that have in the past lacked clear oversight.

The Bill provides for monthly stipends, personal accident insurance for the duration of the internship, as well as maternity, paternity, and sick leave.

Details on the stipend and leave entitlements will be determined by the Public Service Cabinet Secretary through regulations reviewed by the Committee on Delegated Legislation.

“Every intern engaged in public service shall be eligible for payment of such monthly stipend as the Cabinet Secretary shall prescribe in the regulations,” the Bill reads.

Interns, however, will not be entitled to pension or gratuity, and placements will last between three and twelve months.

MPs noted that previous internship programmes were often poorly managed, leaving young participants without meaningful learning opportunities.

They said the selection process was sometimes tainted by nepotism, favouritism, and corruption, locking out many qualified applicants.

The Bill addresses these gaps by requiring public institutions to advertise opportunities clearly and widely.

“A person in charge of a public service institution shall advertise the internship opportunities on the website of the institution and in at least two newspapers of nationwide circulation,” the Bill states.

“The advertisement shall contain relevant information about the internship, including areas of specialisation required, total number of interns needed, duration of the internship and deadline for submission of applications.”

Eligibility is open to anyone who has completed a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognised institution in Kenya and has not previously gained practical experience in their area of study.

To ensure interns benefit fully, public institutions will set up internship management committees responsible for planning, budgeting, and supervising the programmes.

These committees will provide facilities, assign mentors, and monitor interns’ progress.

The Bill also sets rules for ending internships. Absence without approval for 24 hours, misconduct, disobedience of instructions, and criminal activity are grounds for termination. Interns wishing to resign must provide 30 days’ written notice to their institution.

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Legislators also welcomed the Bill as a major step for youth empowerment. “I am happy for the millions of young people in this country whose internship now has a legal framework,” Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu said.

“In the past, it was loosely handled, but this House has considered the plight of the youth, and we hope the Bill will be assented to into an Act of Parliament soon.”

Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga added, “There have been no guidelines on how internship is managed, making the programme open to abuse.”

Lesuuda expressed gratitude to Parliament for passing the legislation. “We now have a legal document. I hope interns will be treated better than before and will gain the requisite experience,” she said.

Seme MP James Nyikal noted the law recognises the value of interns’ work.

“We have on many occasions heard people say these are students and should not be remunerated. This Bill cures that,” he said.