A report by the recently carried out Census exercise indicated that more than a third of Kenya’s youth eligible for work have no jobs in an environment where Kenya’s Government is struggling to tackle this acute problem.
In response to this problem, the County Government of Nyeri under the governance of H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga started the County Internship Programme in 2018, which has seen over 500 interns benefitting from it so far.
The Youth Empowerment Program targets to recruit 200 fresh graduates per year, from across the country and offer them hands-on skills as well as help them close the gap with real-world experience by placing them under seasoned public servants who act as their mentors.
So far, the county government has absorbed 49 interns from the 1st and 2nd batch, while others have been absorbed by other employers, either during the internship period or after, due to the valuable experience they gain.
By involving interns in day to day operations, the County Government of Nyeri finds future employees and reduces the cost on resources from recruiting, creates a platform for test-driving youth talent, increases organizational productivity, it’s a way of giving back to the community, closes the skills gap in fresh graduates, fosters leadership skills, improves the overall work environment and has positioned Nyeri as a model county with both public and private organizations benchmarking on the same.
Here are some of the success stories:
Candy Wamaitha Ngunjiri
Which department were you stationed at?
I was stationed at the Office of the Governor- Governor’s Press Unit.
How was the experience like for you? What lessons did you learn?
My one-year experience was rewarding as my communication and social skills were honed. I was able to clearly understand the structure and functions of the county governments, as well as the effectiveness of time management or rather punctuality.
Where are you working right now?
I am working at China Road and Bridges Corporation; the contractors of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya, as a Public Relations Executive.
How did the internship shape the person you are right now and how did the experience weigh on you getting a job?
The training impacted my career immensely and I can attest that my confidence was built up during this time. This was a stepping stone for me even when I was applying for a job, because I was able to make presentations at work boldly. In addition, during my internship I was able to build networks, some of which I still use to date.
What advice would you give to your fellow youth who are looking for employment?
To always give their best in the space they are in be it, self or formal employment. I will leave them with a quote I cherish, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other” – Abraham Lincoln.
Message to H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga
I am forever grateful! Thank you for providing such an opportunity for young people like myself to gain workplace experience and improve our prospects for future employability.
Patrick Gachuhi Kamau
Which department were you stationed at?
I was an intern with the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and was stationed at Mathira East sub-county veterinary offices.
How was the experience like for you? What lessons did you learn?
I learnt that only those who believe in the possibility of acceptance in such an opportunity that really get to high levels of success. There are many opportunities in the county where I interacted with very noble success oriented county personnel where I learnt of the government systems and operating procedures. I also learnt the importance of creating the right networks.
Where are you working right now?
I am a trainer at the Meat Training Institute, Athi River which is a national government institute.
How did the internship shape the person you are right now and how did the experience weigh on you getting a job?
The internship molded me into not only a competent veterinary technologist but also helped me gain immeasurable skills. The first hand expertise gained gave me a competitive edge while interviewing for my current position.
What advice would you give to your fellow youth who are looking for employment?
To stop lamenting that there are no job opportunities instead, they should believe in possibilities that may arise day in day out. They should further place themselves visibly in the corporate world by applying for such opportunities and also aim to be job creators.
Message to H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga
I wish to express my gratitude to Governor Kahiga for the opportunity to intern at the County Government of Nyeri. The programme is a noble idea which gave me the wings to fly and serve even at the national government level whilst applying the skills gained. May God bless you abundantly for creating opportunities for the youth, especially at a time when unemployment is quite high in the country.
Miriam Wangechi Ndirangu
Which department were you stationed at?
I was initially stationed in the Governor’s Press Unit. Later, I switched to the finance department under the revenue directorate where I was later employed on1st March 2019 as a revenue clerk.
How was the experience like for you? What lessons did you learn?
The experience was mind blowing, humbling and I’m thankful every day I get to wake up and serve the people of Nyeri as a revenue clerk. I had initially looked for a job for two and half years before I got the internship opportunity.
Where are you working right now?
I am stationed at the county offices, Town Hall grounds serving as the Deputy Revenue Officer Nyeri Town sub-county.
How did the internship shape the person you are right now and how did the experience weigh on you getting a job?
It shaped me to become a more diverse person and to be open minded to other individuals’ opinions and thoughts. I have also learnt to always put God first, to believe in myself as well as to take every opportunity that comes my way with open arms and work hard to be the best at it.
What advice would you give to your fellow youth who are looking for employment?
I would advise them to be open to opportunities available and strive to be the best.
Message to H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga
I want to sincerely thank Governor Kahiga for the opportunity; no words can ever explain how grateful I am to his government for creating such a programme which has granted me a job that I enjoy. Forever grateful TEAM KAHIGA HOIYE!!
Norman Maina Mwangi
Which department were you stationed at?
I was in the Department of Health Services, Accounts office.
How was the experience like for you? What lessons did you learn?
The experience was worthwhile because it helped me secure two jobs so far. In addition, I learnt how to interact with fellow workers, professional communication and networking.
Where are you working right now?
I am currently working for Centre for Health Solutions Ltd as a program accountant.
How did the internship shape the person you are right now and how did the experience weigh on you getting a job?
The internship helped me develop professional networks, the confidence to interact freely in professional environments and exposed me to real working environment. The experience I acquired helped me secure the current job, as some of the requirements were that the successful candidate ought to have worked with a county government and preferably in the department of health services and since I already had the two attributes gained from the internship, I was offered the job.
What advice would you offer to your fellow youth who are looking for employment?
To secure work experience whether by volunteering or other arrangements because all that matters when looking for a job is experience a person has. Also have a well drafted CV and use the internet to look for jobs which has many platforms for employment opportunities. Personally, I learnt about my current position through the internet.
Message to H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga
I would like to thank the governor for coming up with this idea of offering internships to graduates and for making us feel like a valued part of the Nyeri County staff. Were it not for the internship opportunity, I wouldn’t have been in the position I am today. I would also like to thank my then supervisor Mr. Moses Githinji for instilling confidence in me, and making me the person I am today career wise.
Jecinta Wachera
Which department were you stationed at?
I was interning in the Governor’s Office- Legal department.
How was the experience like for you? What lessons did you learn?
It was a great learning experience that successfully transitioned me from being a law student to a real world practitioner. I learnt that it’s important to be ready and willing to learn from others in the same field as you.
Where are you working right now?
I’m working in the County Public Service Board’s Secretariat as a Legal Researcher.
How did the internship shape the person you are right now and how did the experience weigh on you getting a job?
During the internship period, I polished my professional and interpersonal skills. I had opportunities to interact and learn from senior legal practitioners hence broadening my network. I also gained the job skills that came in handy when looking for a job.
What advice would you give to your fellow youth who are looking for employment?
I would encourage them to take up any learning opportunities that can help enhance their area of studies. A job seeker who has volunteered for six months is better placed than a jobseeker with no practical skills at all, even if the latter has better grades.
Message to H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga
I’m very grateful to the governor for conceiving, championing and implementing such a noble initiative that is churning skilled labour to the world. His ‘Nyeri First’ mantra is well felt through this as it improves the life of very many families.