Presidential digital talent: Ruto's gov't announces 400 internship positions
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- The ICT Authority opened applications for the Presidential Digital Talent Program Cohort XI, targeting recent university graduates aged 21 to 29
- The 12-month structured internship programme offers 400 placement slots across five ICT specialisations in both public and private sectors
- Applicants must hold at least a Second-Class Honours Upper Division degree in ICT or a related Engineering field, with a deadline of September 7, 2026
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
The ICT Authority has opened applications for the Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP) Cohort XI, inviting recent university graduates to compete for 400 internship positions across Kenya's public and private sectors.
The call for applications, published by the authority in MyGov on Tuesday, August 9, sets Monday, September 7, 2026, at midnight as the deadline for submission through the official online portal at digitalent.go.ke.
Who can apply for presidential internships?
To be eligible, applicants must be Kenyan citizens aged between 21 and 29, hold at least a second-class honours upper division degree, and must have graduated from a recognised institution from January 2024 onwards.
Candidates awaiting graduation up to December 2026 may also apply, provided they submit a university recommendation letter confirming the class of degree to be awarded.
The programme targets graduates from ICT and engineering disciplines, including computer science, software engineering, information systems, computer engineering, electrical and electronics, and telecommunication, among other closely related fields.
Importantly, applicants must not have previously participated in any government of Kenya internship programme and must currently be unemployed.
Successful candidates will be deployed on a full-time basis from 8:00am to 5:00pm across any of the 47 counties, placed within ministries, departments, agencies, corporations, or county governments.
What are the available specialisations?
The programme has distributed the 400 available positions across five technical areas.
Network and digital infrastructure carries the largest allocation at 150 slots, while software development and Artificial Intelligence (AI) accounts for 100 positions.
Information security, data analytics, and multimedia covering graphic design and digital marketing each account for 50 slots.
The ICT Authority noted that shortlisted candidates may be required to demonstrate technical competency in their chosen area of specialisation ahead of interviews.
What is the application process?
The programme is designed to equip young ICT professionals with workplace experience, industry mentorship, and professional networks that improve their employment prospects within the broader technology and public service sectors.
Applicants must complete the online form in full and attach all required documents, as incomplete submissions will be disqualified automatically.
Only shortlisted candidates will receive communication regarding interview arrangements.
Enquiries can be directed to the ICT Authority via email at pdtp@icta.go.ke.
Career expert Simon Ingari asked applicants to check the internship requirements before applying.
"Do not ignore internship requirements. Many institutions require you to be a current student or a recent graduate (within one to two years)," he told TUKO.co.ke.
Ingari can be reached via cv@oyk.co.ke.
What did PSC advertise?
In other news, we shared details about the Public Service Commission’s latest recruitment for Cohort 9 of its Public Service Internship Programme.
This initiative aims to empower the youth by providing them with valuable practical skills and enhancing their employability in a competitive job market.
The program offers a critical pathway to not only gain experience but also establish professional networks that can influence their careers.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.