Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has recently found himself in a heated exchange with his predecessor, Moses Kuria, over the fate of 8,000 graduate interns whose one-year contracts have expired.
The Standard reported that Muturi fired back at Kuria, accusing him of “usurping imaginary powers” by issuing directives that interfered with the Public Service Commission (PSC), an independent body responsible for recruitment in the public sector.
Muturi made it clear that he would not discuss lifting the employment freeze on the interns, stating that the matter was under the PSC’s jurisdiction and not his.
“I’ll not talk about the lifting of the ban on the recruitment and employment of the 8,000 graduate interns. This is the work of PSC that a CS should not interfere with,” he said.
The dispute between Muturi and Kuria has brought to light the challenges faced by these interns, many of whom are now uncertain about their future.
The Standard highlighted that Muturi criticized past government decisions that halted public service employment, arguing that such directives were based on misguided advice.
This criticism comes at a time when there is mounting pressure from union officials and political leaders who have urged the government to absorb the interns into permanent positions.
They argue that these young professionals have acquired valuable skills during their internships and are ready to contribute meaningfully to the workforce.
Among those pushing for the interns’ absorption is Dan Aloo, an official from the Kenya National Teachers Union (KNUT).
Aloo has called for a budget reallocation to facilitate the employment of the interns, emphasizing that they are well-trained and capable of making contributions.
The Standard reported that Aloo’s plea reflects the growing concern among stakeholders about the need to address youth unemployment in Kenya.
With thousands of young graduates entering the job market each year, the issue of job security has become a pressing concern, and temporary contracts are no longer seen as a sustainable solution.
Muturi’s stance on the matter underscores the ongoing tensions within the government over employment policies.
While some leaders advocate for the immediate absorption of the interns, others, like Muturi, insist on adhering to the established procedures governed by the PSC.
This disagreement highlights the broader challenges of balancing bureaucratic processes with the urgent need to create job opportunities for the youth.
The Standard noted that the situation has sparked a national conversation about the need for long-term solutions to address unemployment, particularly among young graduates.
The fate of the 8,000 graduate interns remains uncertain. The issue has not only exposed divisions within the government but also raised questions about the effectiveness of current employment strategies.
Stakeholders are calling for a more coordinated approach to ensure that young professionals are not left in limbo after completing their internships.
The Standard’s coverage of this story has brought much-needed attention to the plight of these interns and the broader issue of youth unemployment in Kenya.
It remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive action to address these concerns and provide a clear path forward for the thousands of young graduates seeking stable employment.
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