The Government of Kenya has announced plans to expand the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) from the current 8,000 positions to 50,000, effective January 2027, in a move aimed at creating more opportunities for young graduates to gain practical work experience.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the expansion following a meeting with the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes to discuss the implementation of a Presidential Directive on increasing internship opportunities for young Kenyans.

Koskei said the expansion seeks to provide graduates with an opportunity to translate their academic qualifications into practical workplace skills, gain professional experience and build sustainable careers.

"Our young people need opportunities to put their training into practice, gain work experience and build their careers," Koskei said.

Under the expanded programme, thousands of additional young people are expected to benefit from placements across government ministries, departments, state agencies, corporations and other public institutions.

The interns will have an opportunity to work alongside experienced public officers, receive professional mentorship and participate in activities that expose them to the practical operations of government.

According to Koskei, the skills acquired through the programme will not only improve graduates' chances of securing employment but could also equip them with the knowledge and experience needed to establish their own businesses.

The expansion is part of the Government's broader youth empowerment agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to strengthen economic opportunities and improve livelihoods.

The meeting also addressed the need to strengthen human resource management and accountability across the public service to ensure efficient, timely and effective delivery of services to Kenyans.