[Kenya] Payroll inconsistencies prompt MPs to demand internship programme audit

In Kenya, a parliamentary committee has directed the Auditor General to conduct a special audit of the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) in the wake of concerns that persistent payroll inconsistencies, delayed stipend payments, and weak financial management systems have affected the graduate placement scheme since its inception, The Eastleigh Voice reports.

The audit, which will cover the programme’s financial and payroll records from 2019, is expected to examine long-standing accountability gaps that have affected its implementation.

The National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee reportedly stated that the review should be completed by December 30, 2026. It forms part of efforts to address recurring challenges in the programme’s administration.

In its report, the committee said the audit is intended to tackle issues that have been present since the programme began.

“This audit is intended to address persistent challenges experienced since the programme's inception, including payroll inconsistencies, delays in stipend payments, and weaknesses in financial management and accountability systems,” the report reads.

The committee directed that funds allocated to the PSIP should strictly be used to pay interns and not be diverted to other expenses.

“Additionally, the funds allocated to the PSIP programme should only be applied for the payment of stipends and not for operational expenses," the Committee said.

The PSIP Programme was introduced in 2019. It was reportedly conceived to give graduates practical workplace experience and improve their employability at a time when the economy was struggling to create sufficient formal jobs.

Source: The Eastleigh Voice

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Kenya, a parliamentary committee has directed the Auditor General to conduct a special audit of the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) in the wake of concerns that persistent payroll inconsistencies, delayed stipend payments, and weak financial management systems have affected the graduate placement scheme since its inception, The Eastleigh Voice reports.

The audit, which will cover the programme’s financial and payroll records from 2019, is expected to examine long-standing accountability gaps that have affected its implementation.

The National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee reportedly stated that the review should be completed by December 30, 2026. It forms part of efforts to address recurring challenges in the programme’s administration.

In its report, the committee said the audit is intended to tackle issues that have been present since the programme began.

“This audit is intended to address persistent challenges experienced since the programme's inception, including payroll inconsistencies, delays in stipend payments, and weaknesses in financial management and accountability systems,” the report reads.

The committee directed that funds allocated to the PSIP should strictly be used to pay interns and not be diverted to other expenses.

“Additionally, the funds allocated to the PSIP programme should only be applied for the payment of stipends and not for operational expenses," the Committee said.

The PSIP Programme was introduced in 2019. It was reportedly conceived to give graduates practical workplace experience and improve their employability at a time when the economy was struggling to create sufficient formal jobs.

Source: The Eastleigh Voice

(Quotes via original reporting)