Career advice · Updated October 2026

Internships in Kenya: How to Find and Land One in 2026

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For many graduates, internships in Kenya are the bridge between a certificate and a first permanent job. Employers increasingly ask for “at least one year of experience” even for entry-level roles, and a well-chosen internship is the fastest way to get it. Here is how internships work, where to find them and how to stand out.

Attachment, internship or graduate trainee: what’s the difference?

• Industrial attachment happens while you are still studying. Universities and TVET colleges require it, usually for eight to twelve weeks, and it is often unpaid.
• Internship comes after you finish your course. It typically lasts three to twelve months and many employers pay a monthly stipend.
• Graduate trainee or management trainee programmes are structured, competitive schemes run by banks, manufacturers, audit firms and telecoms companies. They usually pay a salary and often lead to a permanent role.

Where to find internships in Kenya

Government and public sector

The Public Service Commission runs the Public Service Internship Programme for graduates, advertised on its website and in national newspapers. Counties, state corporations and regulators also advertise internships through their own websites and county public service boards. Read our guide to applying for government jobs, because the process is similar.

Private sector and NGOs

Large employers advertise graduate programmes on their careers pages, often once a year. NGOs and UN agencies post internships on their own portals. Smaller firms rarely advertise at all; they hire through referrals and direct approaches.

Job boards

We list internships and entry-level jobs on JobInKenya daily. Search for “intern”, “graduate trainee” or “attachment”.

How to apply

1. Prepare a one-page CV focused on education, projects, attachment and leadership. See how to write a CV in Kenya.
2. Write a short, tailored cover letter showing why you want that organisation.
3. Get your documents ready: national ID, KRA PIN, academic transcripts and certificates. Some public internships ask for clearances; see documents required for jobs in Kenya.
4. Apply early. Popular programmes close quickly and some stop accepting applications once they reach a limit.
5. Follow up politely after two weeks if you hear nothing.

Making a direct approach

For firms that do not advertise, email the HR manager or the head of the department you want to join. Keep it short: who you are, what you studied, two skills you can contribute, your availability and your CV attached. Visiting in person with a printed CV still works for some smaller businesses, especially in towns outside Nairobi.

Stipends and tax

Internship pay varies widely between employers and some are unpaid. If you are paid, the stipend is generally employment income, so PAYE rules apply, along with SHIF and Housing Levy deductions. Small stipends often fall below the PAYE threshold once personal relief is applied. Check yours with our net salary calculator.

Your rights as an intern

Interns are protected by the Constitution’s guarantee of fair labour practices and by general employment law. Ask for a written agreement that states the duration, working hours, stipend, supervisor and what you will learn. You should not be asked to pay money to get an internship. Requests for “registration fees” are a red flag; read how to spot fake job adverts.

Getting the most from your internship

• Agree on goals with your supervisor in the first week.
• Keep a weekly log of tasks and results. It will become your CV bullets.
• Ask for feedback mid-way, not only at the end.
• Build relationships across departments, not only your own.
• Before you leave, ask for a recommendation letter and permission to use your supervisor as a referee.
• Update your LinkedIn profile with the projects you delivered.

Turning an internship into a job

Many interns are hired because they are already trained and trusted. Six to eight weeks before the end, tell your supervisor you would like to stay and ask what openings may come up. If there is nothing, ask for introductions to other teams or partner organisations.

Start your search on our latest jobs page today.

How to write an internship application with no experience

Focus on what you have done rather than what you have not. Describe your industrial attachment in detail, your final-year project and what it found, any leadership role in clubs or student government, and volunteer work. Add practical skills that employers can use from day one, such as Excel, report writing, social media management, data entry, customer service or a programming language. Mention your availability clearly, including whether you can start immediately, because many organisations need interns to start on a fixed date.

Questions to ask before accepting an internship

Before you say yes, ask who your supervisor will be, what projects you will work on, how long the internship lasts, whether there is a stipend and when it is paid, what the working hours are, and whether past interns have been hired. Ask for the answers in writing, ideally in an internship agreement. A clear structure makes it far more likely that you will finish with skills, a strong reference and real achievements for your CV.

Key takeaways

• Know the difference between attachment, internship and graduate trainee programmes.
• Look on PSC, county and company careers pages, as well as job boards.
• Apply early, with a tailored one-page CV and cover letter.
• Never pay a fee to get an internship.
• Treat the internship as a long interview for a permanent role.

Frequently asked questions

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