Samburu West Member of Parliament Lesuuda Josephine Naisula presented The Public Service Internship Bill to the House for debate on Wednesday, June 12. The proposed legislation aims to establish a legal framework for regulating internship programs within the public service.
If enacted, the Bill mandates that government interns will be dismissed if they are absent without permission for more than 24 hours. The internship period will be determined by the supervising authority within the public service institution but will not exceed 12 months. “An intern shall be liable to have his or her internship discontinued on the grounds of absence from the public service institution without permission or reasonable cause for a period exceeding 24 hours,” the Bill stipulates.
The Bill also outlines other grounds for dismissal, including gross or disorderly conduct, unsatisfactory performance, failure to obey lawful instructions, and committing a criminal offense. Additionally, interns may terminate their internship by submitting a 30-day notice in writing.
The proposals include provisions for a monthly stipend and insurance for interns during the 12-month program. MP Lesuuda emphasized the necessity of the stipend, to be determined by the Ministry of Public Service, as interns contribute their professional skills to the organization. She recalled that a 2013 directive and policy promised stipends for interns, which largely depended on the goodwill of the government at the time.
Lesuuda also mentioned future discussions with the private sector to ensure that interns in private organizations receive stipends as well.
The bill, if passed, aims to standardize and enhance the internship experience within the public service, ensuring fair treatment and adequate compensation for interns.
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