PSC Flooded with 35,659 Applications for Government Internship Programme

By Collins Wasike 

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has received an overwhelming 35,659 applications from unemployed Kenyan graduates vying for just 7,000 slots in the 8th Cohort of the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP). The surge in applications underscores the growing demand for employment opportunities among the country’s youth, many of whom are struggling to secure meaningful work after graduation.

The internship programme, which offers a 12-month paid placement in various government ministries, departments, and agencies, is designed to equip young professionals with practical experience and enhance their employability. According to PSC Chief Executive Officer Paul Famba, the recruitment process has been decentralized, with interviews currently underway at 13 regional centers across the country, including Nairobi, Coast, Rift Valley, and Nyanza regions.

Out of the total applicants, 13,117 candidates were shortlisted and invited for interviews, which began on December 1 and will run until December 6, 2025. The selection process is expected to be highly competitive, given the limited number of available positions compared to the massive applicant pool.

“The response to this year’s call for applications reflects the trust young Kenyans have in the programme and the urgent need for job opportunities,” said Famba. He emphasized that the PSC is committed to a transparent and merit-based selection process.

Successful candidates will be deployed in early 2026, where they will receive a monthly stipend and mentorship from seasoned public servants. The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment and build a pipeline of skilled professionals for the public sector.

As the interviews progress, thousands of hopefuls await the outcome, clinging to the promise of a foot in the door to public service and a brighter future.