PSC Moves to Include TVET, Diploma Graduates in Govt Internship Programme

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced plans to review its Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) policy to allow diploma and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates to benefit from the programme.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by PSC Chairperson Francis Meja during a courtesy visit to the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, at the NSSF Building in Nairobi.

According to Meja, the Commission has already started reviewing the PSIP policy to make it more inclusive by expanding eligibility beyond university degree holders.

“PSC has commenced the process of reviewing the PSIP Policy with a view to accommodating graduates from diploma programmes and TVET,” Meja announced.

The proposed changes are expected to open internship opportunities to thousands of young Kenyans who graduate from TVET institutions and diploma programmes every year.

Cohort 9 Internship Recruitment Ongoing

The announcement comes as PSC continues to recruit interns under the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) Cohort 9.

According to the latest internship advert on the PSC jobs portal, the Commission is recruiting 3,000 interns under Advert No. 140/2026.

The internship advert was published on July 28, 2026, and applications will close on August 17, 2026.

Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the PSC online recruitment portal before the deadline.

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Oparanya Calls for a Unified Internship Programme

During the meeting, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya called for all government internship programmes to be brought under one framework to improve coordination and ensure uniform standards.

According to Oparanya, a centralised internship programme would make it easier for the government to monitor interns’ progress and performance while ensuring that all interns receive equal benefits regardless of where they are posted.

“We all serve the same government. The internship programme should be centralised to ensure quality control and standardisation. All interns should receive the same benefits across the board,” Oparanya said.

He added that the ongoing review is intended to strengthen the internship programme by improving outcomes for young graduates while expanding access to opportunities.

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Focus to Shift Beyond the Placement

PSC Chairperson Francis Meja said the proposed reforms will not only broaden eligibility to include diploma and TVET graduates but also improve the quality of the internship experience.

“The focus should now shift to what happens during and after the PSIP programme. A revamped programme will bring the private sector on board, provide entrepreneurship training, and introduce a savings scheme for interns,” Meja said.

He explained that the revised policy aims to equip interns with practical skills and create more opportunities after they complete the programme, rather than focusing only on internship placement.

The Commission also plans to involve the private sector in the programme, introduce entrepreneurship training, and establish a savings scheme to help interns prepare for employment or self-employment after completing their placement.

About the Public Service Programme

The Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) is the government’s flagship youth empowerment initiative managed by the Public Service Commission.

The programme currently offers university graduates 12 months of workplace experience, professional mentorship, and networking opportunities in ministries, state corporations, and public universities.

Interns receive a monthly stipend of Ksh25,000 and are awarded a certificate upon successful completion of the programme.

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Public Service Commission chairperson Francis Meja while paying a courtesy visit to the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, at the NSSF Building in Nairobi on August 4
PHOTO/PSC