Kenyan PSC Internship Shortlisted Candidates | How to Check & What’s Next
The Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) run by Kenya’s Public Service Commission (PSC) offers recent graduates a chance to gain hands-on work experience in government ministries, state departments, and agencies (MDAs). Each year, thousands of candidates apply, and after the screening, PSC publishes a list of shortlisted candidates who are then scheduled for interviews or other next steps.
If you applied for the Kenyan PSC Internship (PSIP) and want to know whether the shortlist is out, how to check, what documents to prepare, and what to do next, this guide is for you.
What Is the PSC Internship / PSIP?
Before diving into the shortlist details, here’s a brief overview:
- The Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) is a government initiative started in 2019 to bridge the gap between education and the workforce for Kenyan graduates.
- It provides a 12-month, non-renewable internship placement in various MDAs with mentorship, exposure to real work, and a monthly stipend.
- Eligible applicants are usually graduates with a Bachelor’s degree (from a recognized university) who graduated not earlier than a certain year (often within the last few years) and who meet other criteria like ICT proficiency.
Is the Shortlisted List Out?
Yes, PSC publishes shortlisted candidate lists for each PSIP cohort after the application window closes and initial screening is done. For example:
- PSC shortlisted 6,673 candidates for PSIP Cohort 7 and announced interview dates.
- For PSIP Cohort VI, over 16,000 candidates were shortlisted out of many applicants for 8,000 internship slots.
So if you’ve applied and are awaiting the shortlist, there’s a high chance it has been or will be published either on PSC’s website or job portal.
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How to Check If You Are Shortlisted
Here are the steps to follow to see whether your name is among the shortlisted candidates:
- Visit the PSC website
Go to publicservice.go.ke or the PSC job portal. On the internship section, there are usually links like “PSIP Internship Shortlisted” or “PSIP Shortlisted Cohort [number]”. - Navigate to Shortlist / Internship Section
From the menu, go to Internship Opportunities → PSIP Shortlisted. There will be a downloadable document (often PDF) listing the names. - Search for Your Name or Application Number
Once you download the shortlist PDF, use Ctrl+F (or equivalent) to search by your name or reference/ID. The lists are often large (thousands of names). - Check Interview Dates & Venue / Mode
The shortlist publication is usually accompanied by interview dates, and whether interviews will be by phone, physically, or both. For example, the PSC announced telephone interviews between specific dates for some cohorts. - Prepare Required Documents
If shortlisted, you will be asked to bring original ID (national identity card or passport), academic/professional certificates, and sometimes proof of experiences.
What to Prepare If You Are Shortlisted
Being shortlisted means you move to the next phase. Here are common requirements:
- National ID or valid Passport.
- Original academic certificates and transcripts.
- Any professional certificates you submitted or mentioned in the application.
- Possibly a copy of your application confirmation or summary.
- Good knowledge of ICT or computer usage may be tested.
What Happens After the Shortlist
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Interview / Assessment
PSC usually schedules interviews (sometimes by phone for wide reach) for shortlisted candidates. - Selection of Interns
After interviews, PSC publishes the list of appointed interns who will begin their service in the assigned MDAs. - Deployment and Mentoring
Successful interns are deployed to various ministries or agencies, given mentors or coaches, and expected to perform duties as assigned for 12 months. - Certificate Upon Completion
At the end of the internship programme, interns receive a certificate acknowledging their participation and skills acquired.
Tips to Succeed If You’re Shortlisted
- Check your email and SMS regularly: PSC often uses these to send interview schedules.
- Be punctual and professional: Whether the interview is phone or in person.
- Prepare your documents well: Ensure originals are clean and available.
- Know about PSIP programme / your role: Understand its objectives, your potential supervisor’s expectations, etc.
- Practice common interview questions: Especially about your degree, computer skills, and willingness to relocate or accept assigned tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long after applications are closed is the shortlist published?
A: It varies by cohort, but usually a few weeks to a couple of months after the deadline, depending on volume of applications and administrative processing.
Q2. Will I be notified if I am not shortlisted?
A: Not always. PSC tends to publish only the list of shortlisted names and expects applicants to check. If you don’t find your name, you were likely not shortlisted.
Q3. Are interviews always by phone?
A: Not always. Some cohorts had telephone interviews; others were physical. The shortlist announcement will state the mode.
Q4. What happens if I miss the interview?
A: Usually, missing the scheduled interview may disqualify you, but you should check if PSC offers alternative windows or re-schedules. Always try to attend.
Q5. Can I apply again in the future if I am not shortlisted this time?
A: Yes. There’s no rule preventing reapplication, as long as you still meet eligibility criteria.
Final Thoughts
If you applied for a Kenyan PSC Internship (PSIP) opportunity, being shortlisted is an excellent sign that your application passed initial screening. Follow the steps above to verify your status, prepare well for interviews, and ensure all required documents are ready.
For the most current and verified updates; shortlist publication, interview schedules, appointed lists, always check the Public Service Commission website or PSC job portal, and trusted outlets.
Good luck to all applicants, may your name be on that shortlist!
