Ruto Announces 50,000 New Internship Places for 2027
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on October 20, Ruto said interns would receive monthly stipends. He said the programme would help graduates gain practical experience as they transition from education into employment.
Digital System to Allocate Internship Opportunities
Ruto said the government would use a transparent, digital and merit-based system to allocate internship placements. He also announced plans to encourage private employers to provide meaningful work experience to young Kenyans.
The President said many graduates struggle to secure jobs because employers require experience they cannot easily obtain. The expanded programme aims to help bridge that gap by giving young people opportunities to develop workplace skills.
Ruto Proposes PAYE Relief for Low-Income Workers
During his address, Ruto also announced a proposal to exempt workers earning KSh32,333 or less monthly from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax. The proposed changes would increase take-home pay for eligible workers if implemented.
The National Treasury has also proposed exempting land transactions worth KSh1 million or less from stamp duty. Higher-value transactions would attract progressive rates under the proposed changes.
Ruto further said the government would pursue legal and regional customs procedures to remove the 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones. He argued that cheaper phones could widen access to digital services, education, banking and business opportunities.
Government Expands Graduate Internship Plans
The announcement follows the launch of the Next Generation of Kenya Youth Employment initiative, known as NextGen.Ke, in July. The programme seeks to connect university graduates with one-year internships through partnerships involving government, private companies and development partners.
At its launch, Ruto proposed increasing government funding for the initiative to KSh2 billion, potentially rising to KSh5 billion as partnerships expanded. He also directed Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to increase placements from 500 to 10,000 within three months.
Private sector organisations are expected to support the initiative through placements, mentorship and industry training. The latest expansion announcement signals plans to create additional opportunities for young Kenyans seeking their first professional experience.
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