Intern rights in Kenya: stipend, leave, insurance and contracts
Public Service Commission / Ministry of Public Service · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Public service interns are entitled to a monthly stipend, paid sick leave, annual leave and compassionate leave, on a contract of 12 months under PSC guidelines. PSC sets the stipend rate by circular, and you must have your own medical cover.
- Where
- Your host ministry, department or agency (HR office) and the Public Service Commission
What you need
- Certificate of good conduct, bio-data, copy of ID or passport, KRA PIN and 2 colour passport photos (at engagement)
Steps
- Check your contract: a public service internship runs for 12 months, or longer if your professional body requires it.
- Expect a monthly stipend, plus a subsistence allowance when you work away from your station. PSC sets the rates by circular.
- Use your leave: 1.25 days a month (15 working days a year), up to 30 days' paid sick leave and up to 5 days' compassionate leave.
- Have your own valid medical insurance for the whole internship, and register with NSSF; contributions are deducted.
- To leave early, give one month's written notice, or two weeks' notice if you are taking up a job.
Watch out
- Injury cover is not guaranteed: the guidelines only say the government will try to bring interns under the Work Injury Benefits Act.
- The Public Service Internship Bill, which would add personal accident cover paid by the institution, was still before the Senate in 2026. It is not law until the President signs it.
- You can be discontinued for being away without permission for more than 24 hours.
Who this covers
- Interns in the public service (ministries, departments and agencies) placed under the PSC internship programme.
- Unemployed Kenyan graduates who finished their course in the last 3 years and have no work experience in their field.
Official sources (2)
- Guidelines on Management of the Public Service Internship Programme (October 2019) publicservice.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Senate Bills Digest: The Public Service Internship Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bills No. 63 of 2022) parliament.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026