Makueni MCAs Push for All Departments to Budget for Interns

By Andrew Mbuva 

The Makueni County Assembly’s Committee on ICT, Education, and Internship has recommended that every county department should allocate funds in their budgets to support internship programs.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Joseph Matheka (Kilungu), was responding to a petition by the Makueni County Association of University and TVET Students (MUSA), who raised concerns over the reduction of internship slots for the 2025/2026 financial year.

During a consultative session held on Wednesday, the Committee summoned the Executive Committee Member (ECM) for ICT, Education, and Internship, Mr. Japheth Musyoka Mang’oka, who was accompanied by Chief Officer for Education Ms. Irene Makau and Principal Officer for Internship, Mentorship, and Volunteership Mr. Obadiah Kithome.

The petitioners had feared a significant cut in opportunities for local students. However, the Education department clarified that a total of 104 interns will be recruited, with additional slots funded by other departments such as Finance and Lands. The stipends for these extra interns will be paid directly by the departments hosting them.

In its oversight role, the Committee emphasized the need for a long-term solution. It recommended that every county department should factor internship costs into their individual budgets. This, the Committee argued, would reduce the financial strain on the Education docket and guarantee more opportunities for young graduates in future years.

The Committee further proposed the possibility of lowering individual stipends so that more interns can be accommodated within available resources.

The recommendations, if implemented, are expected to expand internship opportunities, giving more Makueni youth a chance to gain hands-on experience and enhance their employability.