By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, September 01, 2026 - Nyeri County Government has expanded its internship programme to accommodate 350 young people, in a move aimed at giving jobless graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience and improve their chances of securing employment.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga said the number of interns had risen from 200 in the previous cohort, describing the programme as an important avenue for equipping young people with professional skills while exposing them to the realities of public service.
Kahiga spoke on Tuesday at the Nyeri Culture Centre during the official induction of the seventh cohort of county interns, which was attended by Deputy Governor Kinaniri Waroe and senior county officials.
The Governor challenged the recruits to use the internship not merely as a stepping stone to employment but as an opportunity to develop a strong work ethic and contribute to better service delivery to residents.
He urged the interns to demonstrate commitment, discipline and integrity as they begin their assignments, reminding them that their conduct would shape their professional careers and the quality of services offered to the public.
The induction, held under the theme “Empowering the Youth,” exposed the interns to the structure and operations of the county government and their responsibilities as public servants.
The training covered devolved government structures and county laws, national values and public ethics, human resource policies, data protection and security, payroll procedures, statutory deductions and personal development.
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The interns were also required to sign the Code of Ethics as part of the induction process.
Officials from the Human Resource Management, Payroll, County Public Service Board, Data Protection Commission and County Attorney’s Office facilitated the training.
Kahiga congratulated the successful applicants, saying they had emerged from a rigorous and transparent selection process.
He urged them to make the most of the opportunity by acquiring practical skills and professional experience that could position them for future employment opportunities.
The expansion of the programme comes amid growing pressure on governments to create opportunities for young people entering an increasingly competitive job market.
Kahiga said the county expected the interns to approach their assignments with a spirit of service and professionalism, stressing that public service required accountability and adherence to ethical standards.
Also present were MCAs including Thegu River Ward representative Wachira Kanyi, Agnes Wachira, Samuel Kariithi and Janet Kamiru, County Public Service and Solid Waste Management CECM Peter Macharia Ngatia, Chief Officer Joseph Kanyi, Director of Human Resource Management Elizabeth Mathenge and County Public Service Board chairman David Mwangi.
Other senior county officers, directors and representatives from the County Public Service Management, Data Protection, County Attorney’s Office and Payroll Unit also attended the induction.