The Public Service Internship Bill, 2022
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
Pending
Final
Pending
Stipends and Personal Accident Insurance Mandated
Under Clauses 10 and 11, every intern placed in a public service institution is entitled to a monthly stipend prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary and personal accident insurance cover for the duration of the internship. Additionally, Clause 12 grants interns eligibility for sick leave, maternity or paternity leave, and subsistence allowances, while explicitly excluding them from receiving pensions or gratuities.
Internship Duration Limited to 12 Months
Clause 13 restricts the duration of any public service internship to a maximum of twelve months. Clause 2 defines an intern as a person contracted for a period of between three and twelve months, ensuring placements remain transitional training opportunities rather than permanent cheap labor.
Public Advertisement and Merit-Based Hiring Required
Clause 6 requires heads of public service institutions to identify internship opportunities and advertise them on their official website and in at least two national newspapers. Advertisements must detail the specialization required, total interns needed, duration, and application deadlines to ensure merit-based selection.
Clear Ground Rules for Disciplinary Termination
Clause 14 establishes clear grounds for the termination of an internship, including absence without permission for more than 24 hours, gross misconduct, unsatisfactory performance, or criminal offenses. Interns wishing to leave early must provide 30 days' written notice.
Bill No.
No. 63 of 2022
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 203 of 2022
Sponsor
Naisula Lesuuda
Background
The Public Service Internship Bill, 2022, sponsored by Hon. Naisula Lesuuda, MP, seeks to establish a structured legal framework for internship programmes within Kenyan public service institutions. Grounded in Article 55 of the Constitution, which mandates state measures to ensure youth access to relevant education, training, and employment, the Bill addresses the historical lack of standardisation, protection, and compensation for college and university graduates seeking hands-on skills acquisition.
Key Provisions
- Scope of Application: Under Clause 5, the Bill applies to all public offices established under the Constitution, covering both national and county governments. Eligible candidates include unemployed graduates seeking work experience, graduates requiring professional body registration as defined by relevant statutes, and TVET graduates trained under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act (No. 29 of 2013).
- Eligibility and Exclusion: Graduates are eligible if they hold a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized institution and have not had prior work experience related to their study area (Clause 7). Individuals who have retired or vacated formal employment are explicitly disqualified.
- County Government Integration: The Bill interacts with county structures by utilizing the County Public Service Boards established under section 57 of the County Governments Act (No. 17 of 2012) to coordinate county-level placements.
New Obligations
- Institutional Obligations: Public service institutions must set up internship management committees, plan and budget for programmes, conduct merit-based recruitments, provide necessary facilities, and appoint supervisors and mentors (Clause 8).
- Reporting Requirements: Public institutions under the national government must report quarterly to the Cabinet Secretary, while county institutions must report to their respective County Executive Committee (CEC) member responsible for labor (Clause 8(k)).
- Intern Responsibilities: Interns are obligated to abide by institutional rules, demonstrate commitment, complete tasks assigned by supervisors, maintain confidentiality, and formally hand over institutional materials before exit (Clause 9).
Penalties
- Termination of Internship: Under Clause 14, an intern's contract can be terminated immediately by the institution on grounds of unauthorized absence exceeding 24 hours, gross or disorderly conduct, unsatisfactory performance, failure to obey lawful instructions, or commission of a criminal offense.
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