“Time to Pay Interns What They Deserve”: Senator Cherargei Pushes for Stipend Hike Amid Soaring Cost of Living

In a bold move to address the growing economic struggles of young professionals, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has once again taken aim at the government’s internship programme, calling for a significant increase in monthly stipends paid to interns working in public service. 

Speaking through a petition presented to the Senate on Monday, June 16, Cherargei urged the Public Service Commission (PSC) to review its outdated stipend structure, arguing that the current pay, ranging between Ksh15,000 and Ksh30,000, is woefully insufficient, particularly for interns stationed in major urban centres such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. 

“Interns can barely survive on the stipend provided,” Cherargei lamented. “We cannot expect young Kenyans to build their careers when they can’t even afford basic living costs.” 

The senator emphasized that the government must acknowledge the financial pressures interns face and take urgent steps to reform the programme. Among his proposals is an amendment to existing laws that would not only raise the stipend but also introduce clear pathways to permanent and pensionable employment. 

Cherargei’s petition also highlights the structural flaws of the PSC’s internship programme, limited slots, unequal distribution across departments, unclear transition into long-term jobs, and a lack of comprehensive skill-building opportunities. 

“Internships must be more than cheap labour. They should be a stepping stone into meaningful careers,” he stated. 

This is not the first time the outspoken legislator has championed intern rights. In May 2024, he filed a similar motion demanding fair and standardised pay for all interns across government sectors, noting that some were working for no pay at all, surviving solely on meals offered at the office. 

His latest petition also comes against the backdrop of wider unrest, particularly among healthcare interns. Intern doctors have been at the forefront of protests, demanding their stipend be increased from Ksh70,000 to Ksh206,000, a cry that reflects the broader frustrations of a generation seeking recognition, not just opportunity. 

Cherargei’s motion, if adopted, could signal a turning point in how the Kenyan government values and supports young professionals entering public service. For now, interns across the country will be watching the Senate closely, hopeful that real change may finally be on the horizon.