Securing an internship in Nairobi requires a proactive blend of online applications, networking, and understanding the local distinction between an industrial attachment (for continuing students) and a standard internship (for graduates). To start, regularly monitor top Kenyan job portals like BrighterMonday, MyJobMag, and Corporate Staffing Services, where many private-sector firms and NGOs list entry-level roles. For those interested in public service, the Public Service Commission (PSC) frequently advertises the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP), which offers competitive 12-month placements across various ministries.
Beyond online listings, Nairobi’s “hidden job market” is highly active; leveraging LinkedIn to connect with HR managers or attending networking events such as those hosted by the Nairobi Garage or iHub can lead to unadvertised opportunities. Additionally, many large organizations like Safaricom, the United Nations (UNON), and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) have structured annual intakes, so it is vital to check their specific career portals early in the year. If you are a current student, ensure you have an introductory letter from your university, as most Nairobi-based employers require this to formalize an attachment.
Quick Tips for Success
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Tailor Your CV: Use a clean, professional format and highlight specific skills relevant to the “Digital Nairobi” scene (e.g., data analysis, digital marketing, or project management).
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Target the Right Sector: Focus on areas with high growth in the city, such as FinTech, AgriTech, and International Development (NGOs).
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The “Walk-In” Strategy: For smaller local firms or creative agencies, a polite physical drop-off of your CV at their office (if security allows) is still a common and sometimes effective practice in Kenya.
Would you like me to help you draft a cover letter tailored for a specific industry in Nairobi, or perhaps find the current application links for the major 2026 internship cohorts?