Ksh.150M pay set aside for Uasin Gishu interns

Over 650 Uasin Gishu interns will be paid a total of Ksh.150 million following a proposal by the county government.

Speaking in Eldoret town during the official launch of the program on Friday, Governor Jackson Mandago said the move will enable youths to gain exposure within various fields of specialisation.

“We want to build the careers of our youths through this programme so that they don’t lose out on job opportunities for lack of experience,” said Mandago.

Under the programme, the Uasin Gishu interns will be attached to various county departments as well as other partner organisations and will be paid monthly for the next one year.

Degree holders will earn a monthly pay of Ksh. 13,500, while diploma holders will receive  Ksh. 11,500 per month. Those with certificates are to be paid Ksh. 8,500 monthly.

Mandago however criticized the government for employing expatriates saying the county has unemployed graduates who are qualified to do various jobs.

According to him, the high rate of unemployment is the major reason why the youth turn to criminal activities.

He urged other government entities to support the youth by giving them an opportunity to serve as interns in their various departments.

“We need to build the capacity of our youths as this will ensure we have adequate skilled manpower and do away with this trend where mega projects are undertaken by foreigners,” he said.