ICT Authority Invites Applications for 400 Internships in Presidential DigiTalent Program Cohort XI

The ICT Authority has officially opened applications for the eleventh cohort of the Presidential Digital Talent (DigiTalent) Program, offering 400 internship positions to recent Kenyan graduates.

Program Overview

The 12-month internship spans key ICT disciplines including:

• Network and Digital Infrastructure
• Software Development and Artificial Intelligence
• Information Security
• Data Analytics
• Multimedia and Digital Marketing

Eligibility and Application Details

Applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged between 21 and 29 years, possess a First or Upper Second-Class Honors degree obtained within the last two years, be unemployed, and have never previously participated in any government internship program. The deadline for applications is midnight on September 7, 2026.

Program Impact and Challenges

Since its inception in 2014 under President Uhuru Kenyatta, the DigiTalent Program has enrolled over 2,100 interns across multiple cohorts, providing valuable experience in both public and private sectors. Many alumni have transitioned into formal employment or entrepreneurship.

The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence alongside traditional software development in this cohort reflects efforts to align training with evolving industry trends.

However, challenges remain. A 2025 labor case revealed that out of approximately 25,000 beneficiaries, fewer than 2,000 secured permanent, pensionable government positions. Critics argue the program functions more as a holding pattern than a direct employment pathway.

Moreover, the lack of national standards for internship stipends and conditions results in varied experiences depending on placement institutions.

Government internship opportunities remain limited compared to the high number of unemployed graduates, restricting the program's capacity to accommodate all qualified applicants.

Looking Ahead

The DigiTalent initiative aims to cultivate a competitive ICT workforce that enhances public service delivery while equipping young professionals with practical skills and mentorship not readily available elsewhere. The consistent high demand for the program underscores its relevance in Kenya’s ICT landscape.