What is an Internship?
An internship is a temporary position offered by employers to students or recent graduates to gain practical work experience in a specific field. Internships typically last between 3 to 6 months and can be either paid or unpaid, depending on the organization and industry.
🇰🇪 In Kenya: Internships are often referred to as "attachment" (for students still in school) or "internship" (for graduates). The government also has the "Internship Programme" where graduates are placed in ministries for 6-12 months with a monthly stipend.
Internships serve as a bridge between academic learning and the professional world. They allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop industry-specific skills, and build professional networks.
Duration
Typically 3-6 months, sometimes up to 12 months for government programs
Eligibility
Current students (attachment) or recent graduates (internship)
Compensation
Varies from unpaid to KES 150,000/month at UN agencies
Types of Internships in Kenya
1. Attachment (Industrial Attachment)
Required for students in universities and technical colleges to complete their degree or diploma. Usually lasts 3 months and is often unpaid, though some companies provide a small stipend.
2. Graduate Internship
For recent graduates who have completed their studies. These are typically paid and last 6-12 months. Examples include KRA internships, UN internships, and corporate graduate trainee programs.
3. Government Internship
Offered by ministries and parastatals through the Public Service Commission. Provides a monthly stipend (usually KES 25,000-50,000) and lasts 6-12 months.
4. Virtual Internship
Remote internships where you work from home. Growing in popularity, especially in tech and digital marketing fields.
5. Research Internship
Common in universities, research institutions like KEMRI, and NGOs. Focuses on data collection, analysis, and report writing.
Benefits of Doing an Internship
- Practical experience: Apply what you learned in class to real workplace situations.
- Skill development: Learn industry-specific tools, software, and professional practices.
- Networking: Meet professionals who can become mentors or provide job references.
- CV building: Kenyan employers value experience — internships make your CV competitive.
- Potential employment: Many companies hire interns as full-time employees after graduation.
- Income: Paid internships provide financial support while you learn.
- Career clarity: Discover what you enjoy (and don't enjoy) before committing to a career path.
Want to Know Which Internships Pay?
Get our free list of 100+ companies that pay interns in Kenya.
Paid vs Unpaid Internships
| Aspect | Paid Internships | Unpaid Internships |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation | KES 15,000 - 150,000/month | No pay, sometimes transport allowance |
| Common in | UN, NGOs, banks, tech, government | Small businesses, startups, some NGOs |
| Legality in Kenya | Fully legal and common | Legal but must provide meaningful learning |
| Competition | High | Lower |
| Our advice | Prioritize these when possible | Take only if valuable experience/good brand name |
💡 Tip: Always check if the internship is paid before applying. Our Companies That Pay page lists 100+ employers that offer stipends.
How to Get an Internship in Kenya
1. Prepare Your Documents
- CV: 1-2 pages, highlight education, skills, and any experience.
- Cover letter: Tailor to each company — explain why you want to intern there.
- Academic transcripts: Have certified copies ready.
- Recommendation letters: From lecturers or previous employers.
2. Find Opportunities
- Use this website! We list opportunities at government, UN, banks, and more.
- Check company career pages (KRA, Safaricom, KCB, etc.)
- LinkedIn — follow companies and set job alerts.
- Subscribe to our email alerts for openings.
3. Apply Strategically
- Apply early — many programs have deadlines.
- Tailor each application — don't send the same cover letter everywhere.
- Follow application instructions carefully.
4. Prepare for Interviews
- Research the organization — know what they do.
- Practice common interview questions (see our bundles).
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
Internships in Kenya: What You Should Know
🇰🇪 Government Internship Programme
The Kenyan government runs an internship programme for graduates in ministries and parastatals. Interns receive a monthly stipend (usually KES 25,000) and get 6-12 months of experience. Applications open through the Public Service Commission website.
Top Paying Internships in Kenya
- UN Agencies: KES 60,000 - 150,000/month (UNON, UNICEF, World Bank)
- Tech Companies: KES 35,000 - 90,000/month (Safaricom, Microsoft, Google)
- Banks: KES 25,000 - 45,000/month (KCB, Equity, Stanbic)
- Government Parastatals: KES 25,000 - 65,000/month (KRA, KPA, KEMRI)
Common Challenges
- Unpaid internships: Many companies expect free labor — know your worth.
- High competition: Popular programs like KRA receive thousands of applications.
- Late applications: Many students miss deadlines.