CS Geoffrey Ruku Unveils Plan to Place 50,000 Interns in Private Sector Jobs Annually
In a move aimed at tackling youth unemployment, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced a strategic plan to place at least 50,000 interns into private sector jobs every year.
Private Sector to Partner in Youth Employment
Speaking during an interview on Monday, July 28, CS Ruku revealed that the directive came directly from President William Ruto. The initiative will see the government working hand in hand with the private sector to scale up internship placements for Kenyan youth.
“The President has instructed me to start making plans. The public service and private sector will come together to create an internship programme that will take in not less than 50,000 interns every year,” Ruku stated.
Boosting the NYOTA Project’s Reach
This announcement follows the recent rollout of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, launched just two weeks ago by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Through the NYOTA initiative, thousands of young Kenyans across all 47 counties are being offered workplace exposure via the On-the-Job Experience (OJE) intervention. The program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and a nationally recognized certificate to increase employability.
Who Can Apply for the NYOTA Internship?
To qualify for the NYOTA internship program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Aged between 18–29 years (up to 35 for persons with disabilities)
- Currently unemployed or working in low-income/vulnerable positions
- Have completed Form 4 or possess lower academic qualifications
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Practical job training in real work environments
- Life skills development
- Digital and business skills training
- Mentorship by seasoned professionals
- A nationally recognized certificate
How to Apply for the Internship
Youth interested in applying can do so by dialing *254# on their phones, selecting the NYOTA Project option, and following the prompts.
Application Period: Friday, July 11 – Friday, August 15.
Government’s Commitment to Youth Employment
The plan to absorb tens of thousands of interns annually into the private sector marks a significant shift in government policy, indicating a deeper collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises. It reflects the Ruto administration’s commitment to reducing unemployment and equipping young Kenyans with market-ready skills.
For more updates on youth employment programs and internship opportunities, follow our Jobs & Opportunities section.
