Bungoma County Internship Policy 2020

Abstract

The high rate of unemployment in Kenya has been a source of great concern for policy makers in County governments and other key sectors. One of the contributing factors to this state of affairs is the lack of practical work-based experience among the graduates. Every year, thousands of young people graduate from post school institutions and universities with certificates, diplomas and degrees from a wide range of academic and technical disciplines. However, their preparation for afterschool work and life is generally low, leading to a sense of frustration and a great feeling of betrayal of the societal contract i.e. growing up, schooling and raising a family and contributing to the country’s growth. Employment opportunities for the youth marks an important transitional period towards independence, increased responsibility and active participation in national as well as societal development. The converse is also true; left on their own without attendant remedial strategies, they are likely to fall into social ills such as crime, drug and substance abuse, and religious fanaticism. As a County Government and in tandem with the National Agenda on strengthening youth employment and entrepreneurship, the County Government of Bungoma has a role to play in ensuring that the youth, especially those with relevant qualifications, are offered opportunities to enable them gain practical work experience and/or fulfil the legal requirement for registration by professional bodies. It is therefore pertinent that the County establishes an internship programme, which would be a contribution to the government’s effort to alleviate youth unemployment by offering them a chance to gain workplace experience, thus enabling them to have a competitive edge in their job search.