Ruto Calls for Review of Public Service Internship Bill to Create Long-Term Graduate Employment Plan

President William Ruto has called for the withdrawal and review of the Public Service Internship Bill, 2022, saying there is a need to establish a stronger legal framework that will provide a sustainable pathway for graduates entering the job market.

The President said the current approach to internships should be re-examined to ensure young Kenyans do not only gain temporary work experience but also have a clear connection to long-term employment opportunities.

According to President Ruto, creating a permanent framework for internships would help address challenges faced by thousands of graduates who leave universities and colleges every year but struggle to secure meaningful employment.

The proposed changes are expected to provide better coordination of internship programmes within the public service while ensuring that young professionals receive proper exposure, skills development and opportunities to transition into the workforce.

President Ruto noted that the government remains committed to supporting young people through initiatives aimed at improving employability, expanding opportunities and reducing unemployment among graduates.

The Public Service Internship Bill, 2022, had sought to establish guidelines for internship programmes within government institutions, including the management, placement and training of interns. 

However, the President argued that more improvements were necessary to make the legislation more effective and beneficial to young Kenyans.

The move comes amid growing calls from graduates and youth groups for reforms that would make internships more valuable and provide better chances of securing permanent jobs.

Many young people have often raised concerns that some internship opportunities offer limited financial support and do not always lead to employment after completion. The proposed review is expected to address some of these concerns.

The President’s announcement has attracted mixed reactions, with some Kenyans welcoming the move as a step towards solving youth unemployment, while others are calling for faster implementation of practical solutions.

The government is expected to engage relevant stakeholders before introducing a revised framework that will guide internship programmes in the public sector.

The review of the bill comes as the country continues to seek lasting solutions to unemployment and create better opportunities for the growing number of graduates joining the labour market every year.