President William Ruto has announced that more than 150,000 young graduates have applied for the government’s planned 50,000 paid internship opportunities within just 24 hours of applications opening, highlighting the high demand for workplace experience among Kenyan youths.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during the award of a charter to the International Leadership University, Ruto said the government had opened applications through a digital platform ahead of the program's planned rollout in January 2027.
The President said the initiative would initially accommodate 50,000 graduates from universities, colleges, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Under the program, successful applicants will receive monthly payments ranging between KSh20,000 and KSh25,000, with the government meeting the costs. The payments will also cover graduates placed in private-sector organizations.
Ruto said the initiative was designed to help young people transition from education into employment by giving them an opportunity to apply their academic and technical skills in real working environments.
He noted that the government had already engaged industry representatives, including the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), to explore opportunities for placing interns in private companies.
The president also announced plans to meet university vice-chancellors before the Christmas break to discuss implementation and strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and employers.
The program is expected to expand beyond the initial intake. Ruto said the government intends to increase the number of beneficiaries to 100,000 and eventually 200,000 within two to three years.
The initiative builds on the existing Public Service Internship Program, which provides graduates with practical experience and professional mentorship.
However, the government has yet to provide comprehensive details covering all eligibility requirements, selection procedures, and placement arrangements for the expanded intake.
The large number of applications received within the first day underscores the competition facing graduates seeking opportunities to gain professional experience.
While the program is expected to improve employability, successful completion of an internship will not automatically guarantee permanent government employment.
Its impact will ultimately depend on transparent recruitment, meaningful workplace training, and effective collaboration between government institutions and private employers.
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