The government has announced plans to incorporate 5,500 interns into the Affordable Housing Programme, in a move aimed at boosting youth employment while strengthening delivery of housing projects across the country.
The interns are drawn from the ongoing government internship programme and will be attached to various affordable housing sites nationwide. They will receive a monthly stipend jointly facilitated by consultants engaged in the projects and the government.
President William Ruto commissioned the interns during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, January 23, 2026. He said the growing number of young professionals being absorbed into the construction sector was a clear indication that the Affordable Housing Programme is expanding steadily.
The President noted that the housing initiative was a key pillar of the government’s manifesto, adding that its implementation reflects the administration’s commitment to policies that directly address the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
He congratulated the interns, describing them as a critical human resource for national development, especially as many are fresh graduates entering the job market. According to the President, integrating interns into large-scale public projects helps bridge the gap between academic training and practical skills required in the workplace.
President Ruto said the internship programme will be sustained to absorb the growing number of university graduates and reduce unemployment.
He added that government-funded projects will continue to serve as a platform for job creation and skills development.
The interns will be deployed to different regions where affordable housing projects are ongoing and assigned roles aligned with their areas of expertise.
They are expected to work on real-life infrastructure projects and support the delivery of housing developments in line with established standards and regulations.
The government says the initiative will not only enhance project implementation but also equip young professionals with hands-on experience needed to build long-term careers in the construction and infrastructure sectors.