Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called for a review of the monthly stipend awarded to government interns, saying the current amount is too low to sustain them amidst the soaring cost of living. His push aims to create a fairer system for thousands of young Kenyans in internship programmes.
Highlights:
- Cherargei urges increase in intern stipends, currently between KSh 10,000–15,000
- Says current pay is insufficient for transport, meals, and basic needs
- Proposes reforms through Public Service Internship Bill
- Debate sparked by disparities between medical, teaching, and civil service interns
- Senate to consider proposal in upcoming sessions
Interns in government programmes play critical roles across sectors but often survive on monthly stipends that barely cover the essentials. Senator Cherargei argues that the current KSh 10,000–15,000 pay is outdated and unjustified, especially as inflation continues to erode purchasing power.
Cherargei has asked Parliament to revise laws, such as the Public Service Internship Bill, to reflect a more humane and supportive approach to internship pay. He also advocates for government interns to receive benefits like NHIF and NSSF to ensure basic welfare protections.
The proposal comes amid national debate about pay gaps between different interns. For example, medical interns are set to earn over KSh 200,000 monthly, while others—including JSS teaching interns—struggle with modest stipends.
Senator Boni Khalwale has cautioned against equating all professions, arguing medical interns go through more years of study and should not be compared directly with other public interns.
The Senate is expected to debate Cherargei’s proposal, with potential implications for how Kenya supports its interns. If passed, the reform could standardize intern pay and ensure fairer treatment across government sectors.
As the cost of living keeps climbing, should Kenya finally put its young public workers first?
