Kenya’s graduate internship program will shrink sharply in 2026 after the Public Service Commission announced it will cut the intake by half, a move that has sparked anger among many young Kenyans.

About 4,400 graduate interns will be recruited next financial year, down from roughly 8,800 previously. The reduction follows a budget cut from KSh 2.6 billion to KSh 1.32 billion.

The decision lands at a difficult moment for Kenya’s labor market. More than one million young people join the job market every year, yet the economy creates far fewer formal jobs.

For many graduates, the Public Service Internship Program has been one of the few reliable bridges between university and employment.

The one-year placements across government ministries, departments, and agencies offer work experience, a stipend, and, for some, a pathway into long-term careers.

Reducing the intake means thousands of graduates will now have to wait longer for their first opportunity to gain professional experience.

The cuts have also ignited debate online, with many Kenyans questioning government priorities. Critics have pointed to the State House Nairobi budget, which has reportedly risen to about KSh 17 billion in the current financial year, more than double its previous allocation.

The comparison has fueled accusations of misplaced priorities, especially among young voters who argue that programs tackling unemployment should be protected during periods of budget pressure.

Analysts warn that shrinking the internship program without alternative job pathways could deepen Kenya’s youth unemployment challenge.

Without new opportunities from either government or the private sector, thousands of young Kenyans may remain locked out of the workforce for longer than expected as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.