Top 10 Tech Internships Offered in Kenya
Last Updated: December 8th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Kenya’s tech internships are revolutionizing career paths, with top programs like Safaricom and Equity Bank leading the way. These internships offer hands-on experience in diverse fields such as AI, fintech, and digital media, across all 47 counties. With a 70% job offer rate post-internship, Kenya's tech scene is ideal for aspiring tech professionals.
Kenya's tech scene is absolutely exploding, and getting a tech internship here is becoming a game-changer for students like me! Tech internships in Kenya offer incredible hands-on experience, especially with giants like Safaricom and innovative startups reshaping the digital landscape.
The opportunities are everywhere - from working on M-Pesa's fintech systems to diving into AI projects. What's really cool is that government organizations like ICT Authority Kenya are offering structured internship programs across all 47 counties.
According to recent data, 70% of tech interns land job offers afterward, which is huge! I've discovered that programs like CEK's 3-month intensive internship give you real project experience while building your professional network.
Whether you're into software development, cybersecurity, or data science, Kenya's 'Silicon Savannah' has something for everyone. The best part? You're not just gaining skills - you're part of a tech revolution that's transforming Africa's digital future.
These internships are seriously the perfect launchpad for anyone looking to make their mark in tech.
Table of Contents
- Our Methodology for Selecting the Top 10
- Safaricom Graduate Management Program
- Equity Bank Graduate Trainee Program
- Centum Investment Internship Program
- Deloitte East Africa Graduate Program
- KPMG East Africa Graduate Trainee Program
- Kenya Airways Internship Program
- Unilever Future Leaders Program
- Nation Media Group Internship Program
- IBM Kenya Internship Program
- Aga Khan Foundation Graduate Internship Program
- Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tech Internship
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Our Methodology for Selecting the Top 10
(Up)In selecting the top tech internships in Kenya, our methodology prioritizes real impact and growth potential. Programs like the UN Office at Nairobi's internship initiative demonstrate the importance of structured learning pathways, offering 2-6 month placements that connect students with global opportunities.
Industry exposure is crucial - we looked at programs that provide hands-on experience across different sectors.
KPMG East Africa's internship program stands out by offering diverse pathways in audit, technology, and advisory services, with specific requirements like a GPA above 3.0 for Kenyan students.
The selection criteria also considered the quality of mentorship and career development support.
Organizations like UN Technology Services provide comprehensive training in areas like Azure AD configuration and network troubleshooting, preparing interns for real-world challenges.
We analyzed data from successful programs showing that hands-on projects, combined with professional guidance, lead to better employment outcomes.
The most effective internships consistently offer exposure to current technologies, structured mentoring, and clear paths to permanent roles.
Each program was evaluated based on technical skill development opportunities, industry connections, and the potential for career advancement.
This approach ensures we recommend internships that genuinely help aspiring tech professionals launch their careers in Kenya's growing digital economy.
Safaricom Graduate Management Program
(Up)Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecom company with over 44 million customers, has transformed their graduate program for 2025. The Safaricom Graduate Management Program runs for 18 months and opens doors for fresh graduates looking to break into tech.
The program has modernized the whole hiring process - they're now using smart video interviews and AI-powered assessments that have improved the candidate experience.
The program saw a massive 250% increase in graduate intake, and they've managed to achieve a perfect 50-50 split between male and female candidates.
The program stands apart through its perks and growth opportunities.
Interns get access to wellness programs, gym facilities, and regular social events while earning competitive salaries.
The program is hands-on - you're not just making coffee, you're working on real projects that matter. Plus, successful interns get first dibs on new roles at Safaricom, which is significant considering it's one of East Africa's biggest tech companies.
The application process is straightforward but competitive.
Thanks to their new digital screening system, they've cut hiring costs by 60% while making the whole process more accessible.
You can apply through mobile or desktop, and there's even a chatbot to help you out. The program's 100% offer acceptance rate shows that candidates are genuinely excited about joining.
Whether you're into software development, data analytics, or business operations, this program is definitely worth checking out for anyone looking to kick-start their tech career in Kenya.
Equity Bank Graduate Trainee Program
(Up)Equity Bank stands out as a game-changer in Kenya's banking landscape, with its Graduate Trainee Program leading the charge in developing future finance professionals.
Under the leadership of CEO James Mwangi, the bank has transformed from a small building society into Kenya's second-largest bank by assets.
The program reflects this growth mindset, offering participants hands-on experience across multiple banking divisions. The training covers everything from digital banking innovations to customer relationship management, preparing graduates for the future of finance.
Through organized rotations, trainees work alongside experienced professionals in departments like retail banking, corporate finance, and digital services, gaining practical skills that matter in today's fast-paced financial sector.
The program stands out for its tech-forward approach, integrating the latest fintech innovations and digital banking solutions that Equity Bank is known for.
John Harris's leadership team has built a culture where innovation meets tradition, creating an environment where trainees can thrive. With a proven track record of success, the program continues to attract ambitious graduates ready to make their mark in the banking sector.
Beyond technical training, participants develop crucial soft skills through mentorship and team projects, setting them up for leadership roles in their future careers.
Centum Investment Internship Program
(Up)Centum Investment Company PLC stands as Kenya's largest publicly traded investment group, transforming the financial landscape since 1967.
The company has shown incredible growth, increasing its total assets by 234% in recent years. Operating through its three main divisions - Private Equity, Quoted Private Equity, and Real Estate - Centum creates real opportunities for aspiring professionals.
The internship program gives students direct exposure to major projects like their large-scale mixed-use urban developments, including the impressive Two Rivers project spanning 850,000 square meters in Nairobi's diplomatic zone.
What makes this experience unique is the chance to work on actual development projects while learning from industry leaders. The program just got even better with new partnerships like the ITM Holdings collaboration, which opens up exciting opportunities in the growing BPO sector.
Interns get hands-on experience in financial analysis, project management, and real estate development while working alongside professionals who are shaping Kenya's future.
- Hands-on experience: Interns gain hands-on experience in important areas such as financial analysis and project management.
- Practical workshops: The program includes practical workshops on investment strategies, enhancing learning through real-world applications.
- Mentoring sessions: Students benefit from mentoring sessions with experienced team members, gaining insight and knowledge.
This isn't just about adding a line to your resume - it's about gaining real skills that matter in today's job market.
By the end of the program, interns understand how major investment decisions are made and have contributed to projects that are literally changing Kenya's skyline.
Deloitte East Africa Graduate Program
(Up)Deloitte East Africa has been making serious moves in the region, with a commitment of over $3 billion in societal impact initiatives globally over the next decade.
Their Graduate Program is part of this massive investment in talent, offering hands-on experience in audit, consulting, and tech. What makes this program stand out is its real-world approach - you're not just shadowing, you're actually doing the work.
Operating across 16 African territories from 12 countries, Deloitte gives interns exposure to diverse projects and clients.
The program hits different because it combines technical skills with practical experience in ways that actually matter in today's job market. What's really cool is that Deloitte isn't just about the numbers - they're big on community impact too, with their teams putting in over 40,000 volunteer hours in FY23 across Africa.
The program focuses on three main areas:
- Financial analysis and reporting - Graduates gain hands-on experience in financial processes, analysis, and presentation.
- Cutting-edge tech skills - Including data analytics and cybersecurity, essential for modern businesses.
- Hands-on client consultation experience - Engaging with real clients to solve pressing business issues.
Recent grads have shared that the program opened doors they didn't even know existed, with many landing full-time positions at Deloitte or other major firms.
The best part? You're not just learning - you're contributing to real projects that impact businesses across East Africa. Whether you're into finance, tech, or consulting, this program is seriously worth checking out if you want to kickstart your career in Kenya's growing business scene.
KPMG East Africa Graduate Trainee Program
(Up)KPMG East Africa's Graduate Trainee Program is shaping the future of tech professionals across Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The 2024 recruitment program targets ambitious graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0, focusing on creating paths in audit, tax, and advisory services.
What makes this program stand out is its hands-on approach to professional development - you're not just learning, you're doing real work from day one. The program's comprehensive service areas span everything from financial audits to ESG consulting, giving trainees exposure to cutting-edge business practices.
The three-year journey is packed with practical experience, professional qualification support, and the chance to work with some seriously innovative tech.
- Focus on AI and Digital Transformation: For anyone graduating in 2024, KPMG's program offers more than just a job - it's a launchpad for a career in tech consulting. Their focus on AI and digital transformation means you'll be working with the latest technologies while building a solid foundation in business consulting.
- Competitive Entry Requirements: The program is competitive, requiring strong academics (B grade minimum in high school), but the payoff is worth it - you get to work with a global network of professionals while developing expertise in areas like data analytics, digital auditing, and tech consulting.
- Mentorship and International Opportunities: Each trainee gets a mentor, access to international training programs, and opportunities to work on projects that actually matter.
The best part? You're not just learning about technology - you're helping shape how businesses use it.
It's perfect for fresh graduates who want to dive into the tech consulting world while building a strong professional network.
Kenya Airways Internship Program
(Up)Kenya Airways stands as Africa's leading carrier, connecting 42 destinations worldwide with an impressive fleet of modern aircraft.
Fresh college graduates will find themselves diving into a dynamic environment where innovation meets aviation excellence. The airline has transformed itself, achieving an operating profit of KSh 10.5 billion in 2023, marking a complete turnaround from previous years.
Kenya Airways is leading the charge in sustainable aviation, being the first African airline to complete a sustainable long-haul flight from Africa to Europe.
The internship program is next-level, with tech projects focusing on real-world aviation challenges.
Beyond just IT and marketing, interns now get involved with innovative sustainability initiatives and digital transformation projects.
Think working on fleet modernization tech, advanced flight planning systems, and cutting-edge customer experience platforms. The airline's recent recognition for being Africa's second most efficient carrier and its investment in digital solutions means interns work with the latest tech stack while contributing to actual operational improvements.
Whether you're into software development, data analytics, or digital marketing, this internship offers hands-on experience with projects that genuinely impact millions of travelers.
Unilever Future Leaders Program
(Up)The Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP) is changing the game for recent graduates in Kenya, running over three years and offering deep dives into more than 400 diverse brands.
The program is all about accelerated growth, combining real-world challenges with structured training that gets you ready for leadership roles super fast. What makes this opportunity extra special is that participants get to work on meaningful projects while developing their skills through multiple rotations across different departments.
The program experience is next level, with competitive benefits including performance bonuses, health perks, and flexible working options.
Each participant gets paired with a senior career sponsor who helps guide their development journey. The application process is pretty straightforward but competitive - it starts with an online application, followed by profile assessments, digital interviews, and a virtual discovery channel where you get to experience what being a Future Leader is really like.
The program offers various specialized tracks in areas like Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Customer Development.
Success stories from past participants show how the program helped them level up their careers while making real impact in the business. Plus, you get to work with teams across different countries, which is amazing for building your global network.
You're not just learning about business - you're actively shaping the future of some of the world's biggest brands while developing leadership skills that will last your entire career.
Nation Media Group Internship Program
(Up)Nation Media Group (NMG) is revolutionizing Kenya's media landscape through its digital-first transformation under fresh leadership.
As East Africa's biggest independent media organization, NMG has recently restructured its operations with a focus on digital innovation and content excellence.
The company's internship program reflects this forward-thinking approach, offering hands-on experience in an environment where traditional and digital media converge.
The program stands out for its commitment to nurturing future media professionals through real-world newsroom experience.
Interns work alongside industry veterans across multiple platforms, including the newly integrated digital newsroom, print publications, and broadcast divisions.
This exposure helps develop crucial skills in multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and digital content creation.
What makes this opportunity especially valuable is access to NMG's Leadership Forum initiatives and professional development programs.
Interns participate in critical discussions about economics, technology, and governance while learning from experts in their field. The program typically runs for 3-6 months, offering rotations through key departments like digital platforms, print media, and broadcasting.
Participants gain practical experience in content creation, editorial processes, and multimedia production, all while adapting to the fast-paced environment of modern journalism.
The structured mentorship approach ensures interns develop both technical skills and professional networks essential for career growth in media.
IBM Kenya Internship Program
(Up)IBM's presence in Kenya has evolved into something seriously impressive since establishing its first research lab in Nairobi in 2013. The internship program is part of a bigger picture - IBM is actively transforming Africa's tech landscape through AI, cloud computing, and quantum technology initiatives.
What makes this internship special is how interns get to work on projects that matter, like using geospatial AI for climate challenges and developing solutions for local businesses.
The program is especially focused on practical experience - interns work alongside researchers who are tackling real issues in healthcare, climate change, and financial inclusion.
What's truly exciting is that 70% of IBM Research Africa's team consists of local talent, many of whom started as interns.
The program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge tech while working on projects that directly impact African communities. Interns get to dive into everything from AI fairness toolkits to mobile microloans systems, gaining skills that are super relevant in today's tech world.
Plus, you're not just coding - you're helping solve real problems, like improving Kenya's business environment or developing climate monitoring systems. It's pretty amazing to think that as an intern, you could be part of projects that are literally shaping the future of tech in Africa.
Aga Khan Foundation Graduate Internship Program
(Up)The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme offers an incredible chance to gain hands-on experience in social development across Kenya.
As a current intern, I can tell you that the program goes way beyond traditional internships - it's a complete immersion into real-world problem-solving. Through the Global Mobility Programme, interns work in diverse teams across 10 countries, connecting with over 500 students from 125 universities worldwide.
The program lets you dive into either onsite work in East Africa or virtual projects, running for 8-12 months. What's really cool is how we get to work with experienced mentors from nine different AKDN agencies who guide us through projects in education, healthcare, and community development.
The internship network is massive, with opportunities in everything from emergency medicine to global program management.
I've seen firsthand how our work impacts communities - from setting up educational initiatives in remote areas to launching health awareness campaigns. The program actively recruits from developing countries, with 20% of interns coming from low and middle-income backgrounds.
Recent projects have included digital learning strategies, climate resilience research, and public health initiatives. What makes this experience unique is the balance between professional growth and social impact - you're not just building your career, you're actually helping communities thrive.
Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, whether you're analyzing health data in Nairobi or developing education programs in Karachi. The skills you gain here are seriously next-level, and the professional network you build is incredible.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tech Internship
(Up)Looking for a tech internship in Kenya for 2025? The options are seriously exciting! Major tech companies are offering competitive packages, with some positions paying between $3,000 to $8,000 monthly.
AWS just launched their Cloud Support Associate program in Nairobi, perfect for anyone into cloud computing and looking to get hands-on experience. The African Development Bank's internship program is another amazing opportunity, especially if you're interested in fintech or digital transformation projects.
What's really cool is that organizations like Save the Children are now offering tech-focused roles in areas like T4D and digital innovation.
The best part? Many of these internships come with real responsibilities and the chance to work on actual projects. They're also offering flexible arrangements - some are hybrid, others fully remote, making it easier to balance with other commitments.
For anyone looking to break into tech, these internships are perfect stepping stones. They provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, and many even include training programs and certification opportunities.
Just make sure to get those applications in early - most programs open 6-12 months in advance, and competition is pretty intense. Remember to highlight any coding projects or relevant coursework in your application, as these companies are really looking for people who can bring fresh perspectives and technical skills to their teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are some of the top tech internships available in Kenya?
Some of the leading tech internships in Kenya include the Safaricom Graduate Management Program, Equity Bank Graduate Trainee Program, Centum Investment Internship Program, Deloitte East Africa Graduate Program, and KPMG East Africa Graduate Trainee Program.
What criteria were used to select the top tech internships in Kenya?
The top tech internships were selected based on their real impact, growth potential, structured learning pathways, industry exposure, mentorship quality, and career development support.
What percentage of tech interns in Kenya receive job offers after completing their internship?
According to recent data, 70% of tech interns in Kenya receive job offers after completing their internship.
What is unique about the Safaricom Graduate Management Program?
The Safaricom Graduate Management Program stands out for its 18-month duration, use of smart video interviews and AI-powered assessments, a significant increase in graduate intake, and a perfect gender split. It offers hands-on project experience and the first opportunity for new roles at Safaricom.
How are the internship programs in Kenya enhancing participants' professional networks?
Internship programs in Kenya enhance participants' professional networks by offering exposure to real-world projects, structured mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to connect with professionals and peers within their field, as seen in programs like the Deloitte East Africa Graduate Program and the Aga Khan Foundation Graduate Internship Program.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.