Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has urged the government to increase stipends for interns under the Public Service Commission (PSC) and other sectors, including county governments.

He said the current stipend of KSh15,000 is too little to sustain interns given the high cost of living.

According to the senator, the proposed stipend should be raised to KSh50,000 to enable young professionals to meet their daily needs and live decently while serving in public institutions.

Cherargei emphasized that interns play a crucial role in supporting government operations and deserve fair compensation.

“The interns under PSC and other sectors, including county governments, must be given proper stipends from the current KSh15,000 to KSh50,000 to meet the high cost of living,” he said, adding that the move would also help retain young talent in public service.

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Push for Permanent and Pensionable Terms

Cherargei also called for the establishment of a clear framework to transition interns into permanent and pensionable employment.

He argued that many young people remain in temporary positions for too long without job security or benefits, which discourages them from building long-term careers in the public sector.

He insisted that the government should ensure a structured pathway for all interns to secure permanent terms after serving for a specific period.

This, he noted, would not only motivate youth but also enhance productivity and reduce unemployment rates.

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20,000 JSS Intern Teachers Targeted for Confirmation

The senator further addressed the plight of Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers, urging that all 20,000 of them be confirmed into permanent and pensionable terms by January 2026 before schools reopen for the new term.

Cherargei said he and his colleagues have already made recommendations to raise stipends for PSC interns, facilitate their transition to permanent employment, and increase the absorption of interns into county governments and the private sector.

He reaffirmed his commitment to championing the welfare of young professionals in Kenya, saying he will continue to push for policies that promote fair pay and job security under his “#Mtetezi” initiative.

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A photo of Senator Cherargei for illustration purposes/ X Account