Internship: MP drafts bill to force government to pay interns
By Amina WakoA lawmaker has drafted a bill that seeks to provide a monthly allowance to interns at government agencies and state-owned institutions in the country.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda submitted the Bill to Parliament on Tuesday.
According to Lesuuda’s Bill, “the state shall take measures including affirmative action, programmes that will ensure that the youth have access to inter-alia relevant education, training and employment”.
The Bill seeks to address challenges facing Kenyan youth who are seeking employment opportunities.
In the Bill, employers will set aside an unspecified amount of funds to pay interns.
The bill comes at a time Kenyans have been debating on whether employers should pay interns or not.
Entrepreneurs argue that internships are about learning work-related skills, not for earning a stipend.
Those pushing for interns to be paid cite the current high cost of living, stating that interns should at least be paid allowances for their daily transport and food.