Career advice · Updated November 2026

Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP): How to Apply and What to Expect

The Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) is the Public Service Commission’s structured internship scheme that places young graduates in government ministries, departments and agencies for a fixed period of work experience. Recruitment runs in cohorts. The Commission publishes calls for applications, shortlists and lists of appointed interns on its official internship page, and applications go through the Commission’s online recruitment portal. The PSC states that it does not charge for any of its services.

Checked on 7 November 2026 against the PSC internship page and the Public Service Commission website. The Commission sets the eligibility rules, stipend and deadlines in each cohort’s advert, so always read the current advert before you apply.

How the Public Service Internship Programme works

The PSC runs the programme in numbered cohorts. Its internship page lists shortlists and appointment lists for past cohorts, including the list of appointed Cohort VI interns for financial year 2023/2024 and shortlisted applicants for Cohort 6, alongside earlier cohorts. Each cohort follows a similar cycle:

1. the Commission publishes a call for applications with eligibility rules, the number of slots and a deadline;
2. applicants apply online through the PSC recruitment portal;
3. the Commission publishes a shortlist;
4. shortlisted applicants are verified and the list of appointed interns is published;
5. interns report to their assigned ministry, department or agency.

The PSC does not publish a standard stipend figure on its internship page. The stipend, the length of placement and the eligibility criteria are stated in the advert for each cohort, so rely on the advert rather than social media posts quoting amounts.

Who should consider PSIP

The Public Service Internship Programme suits graduates who want public-sector experience and a recognised placement on their CV. Typical applicants are recent degree or diploma holders who have not yet had formal employment in their field. Each call sets the exact requirements, which commonly cover:

• Kenyan citizenship and a national ID;
• the qualification level and fields of study being recruited;
• an age or graduation-year limit;
• whether past interns or people already in formal employment may apply;
• documents such as academic certificates and a KRA PIN.

Read the criteria line by line. Applying when you clearly do not meet a requirement wastes your time and can count against you if the Commission screens out ineligible applicants.

How to apply step by step

1. Watch the official channels. Calls appear on the PSC website and its verified social media accounts. Check the internship and job opportunities pages regularly.
2. Create or update your portal profile. Applications go through the PSC online recruitment system. Fill in your personal details, education, training and any experience accurately.
3. Prepare your documents. Scan academic certificates, transcripts, your ID and other documents named in the advert. Keep files clear and readable.
4. Apply before the deadline. Portals slow down near closing time. Submit early and save a copy of the confirmation.
5. Check the shortlist. The Commission publishes shortlists on its internship page. If you are listed, follow the instructions for verification.
6. Report on time. Appointed interns receive reporting details for their assigned institution.

Beware of fake PSIP recruitment

The PSC’s website carries a clear warning: the Commission does not charge for any services, including job placements, and members of the public should beware of fraudsters posing as PSC staff and asking for money for shortlisting or appointment. No genuine PSIP application requires a payment, an “application fee” via M-PESA, or a “facilitation” token. Report such requests to the Commission. Our guide on how to spot fake job adverts in Kenya lists other warning signs.

Making the most of your PSIP placement

• Agree goals early. In the first week, ask your supervisor what you will work on and what good performance looks like.
• Keep a work log. Record projects, systems and reports you handle. It makes your CV and interview answers concrete.
• Learn the public-service basics. Records management, procurement rules and government communication standards are valued across many employers.
• Ask for a recommendation letter before the placement ends.
• Keep applying. An internship is a stepping stone; watch the PSC job opportunities page and other employers while you work.

Other internship routes

PSIP is not the only option. The PSC’s internship page also links to internship programmes at other public bodies, and the Commission has run specific calls such as the affordable housing internship. Our guide to the affordable housing internship covers that programme, and our wider guide to internships in Kenya covers private-sector and county options, including how to approach employers directly.

Tax and statutory deductions for interns

Whether deductions apply depends on the terms of your placement and the stipend. If your stipend is treated as employment income, it may be subject to PAYE and statutory deductions. Ask the institution’s HR office how your stipend is handled and request a P9 form at the end of the year if tax is deducted. Our guide on the P9 form explains how to use it when filing your return.

Writing a strong application

Portal applications are screened against the advert, so completeness matters more than style. List every qualification with the correct institution names and dates, match your field of study to the categories recruited, and upload each document in the requested format. If the form asks for skills or experience, mention attachments, volunteer work, student leadership and computer skills honestly. Double-check your phone number and email address, because shortlisting and reporting details are sent to them.

Public Service Internship Programme checklist

Before you apply, confirm the advert is on the official PSC website, check you meet every listed requirement, prepare clear scans of your documents, and submit well before the deadline. Never pay anyone to be shortlisted. Then check the published shortlist and follow the Commission’s instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Public Service Internship Programme?

PSIP is the Public Service Commission's internship scheme that places graduates in government ministries, departments and agencies in cohorts.

How do I apply for PSIP?

Apply through the PSC online recruitment portal when the Commission publishes a call, and follow the eligibility rules and deadline in that advert.

How much is the PSIP stipend?

The PSC does not publish a standard figure on its internship page. Check the advert for the current cohort.

Do I pay to be shortlisted for PSIP?

No. The PSC states that it does not charge for any services, including job placements, and warns of fraudsters asking for money.