Ever been that intern who gets sent for chai for the whole office, every single day? My internship was like that, but on steroids. Let me tell you about the three worst things I endured during that nightmare.
From being treated like a personal errand boy to working crazy unpaid overtime, these experiences are, unfortunately, too common here. Knowing what to expect can help you navigate your own journey and avoid the same pitfalls.
What Makes This List
This isn’t just about minor annoyances like a slow internet connection. We’re talking about systemic issues that exploit young Kenyans eager for a foot in the door. These three things stand out because they directly attack your dignity, your finances, and your professional growth—the very reasons you took the internship in the first place. They are the hallmarks of a truly toxic work environment, especially common in our ‘tarmacking’ culture where interns are often seen as free labour.
1. The Unpaid Overtime Grind with Zero Recognition
My contract said 8 to 5, but my supervisor’s expectations said ‘until the work is done’. I was regularly the last person to leave the office, working late into the night on reports that would be presented under someone else’s name the next morning. This wasn’t dedication; it was exploitation disguised as a test of commitment.
In Kenya, this is rampant, especially in media houses, audit firms, and NGOs during peak seasons. You’ll hear phrases like “team player” or “hustle mentality” used to guilt-trip you into staying, while your colleagues with permanent contracts leave on the dot. The promise of a good recommendation letter is held over your head to keep you compliant.
Know your rights. The Employment Act does apply to interns. Start documenting every extra hour you work, no matter how they try to normalise it.
2. Being the Office ‘Mtumba’ – Errands, Chai, and Zero Real Work
I spent more time at the printer, the supermarket for office supplies, and the kibanda downstairs ordering chai than at my desk. My actual job description was collecting signatures and making endless photocopies. This complete waste of potential is soul-crushing when you’re eager to learn and build your CV.
This is the classic Kenyan intern experience in many government offices and some private companies. You become the designated ‘mtumba’ for every small task, from buying airtime for the boss to dropping off personal packages in town. Your academic skills become irrelevant, and you’re treated as cheap, disposable labour for menial duties.
Politely but firmly ask for tasks related to your field. If it persists, that placement is not a learning opportunity; it’s free delivery service.
3. The Psychological Warfare and Public Humiliation
The worst part wasn’t the work; it was the constant belittling. Mistakes were highlighted in full staff meetings, and my ideas were dismissed with a scoff before I even finished speaking. This toxic culture of humiliation was designed to keep interns ‘in their place’ and shatter any confidence we had.
In our hierarchical work culture, some supervisors wield their authority like a weapon. You might be yelled at in front of clients at a restaurant or a hotel lobby, or given silent treatment for a minor error. This abuse is often excused as “tough love” or “preparing you for the real world,” but it’s just unprofessional bullying.
Your mental health is non-negotiable. No job or reference is worth enduring daily abuse. Start planning your exit strategy the moment the disrespect becomes a pattern.
Don’t Just Endure It, Navigate It
Knowing these patterns exist is your first line of defence. Your internship should be a bridge to your career, not a traumatic hazing ritual.
Start by documenting everything in a personal diary or email thread to yourself—dates, tasks, and incidents. If things get severe, reach out to the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) or your university’s career office for guidance. For unpaid work, you can inquire about your rights through the Ministry of Labour’s portal or helpline.
Protecting your dignity and your future starts with refusing to accept this treatment as normal.
The Bottom Line
An internship from hell doesn’t have to define your career. The core lesson is that while some struggle is expected, systemic exploitation and abuse are not. Recognising the difference between a tough learning environment and a toxic one is your most crucial skill.
Share this story with a friend who is tarmacking or in a similar situation. Breaking the silence is the first step to changing this culture for all of us.
Frequently Asked Questions: 3 horrible things I went through during my internship from hell in Kenya
Is the ‘Office Mtumba’ experience more common in certain sectors?
Yes, it’s notoriously prevalent in government ministries, county offices, and some traditional corporate settings. These environments often have a rigid hierarchy where interns are seen as the lowest tier for all tasks.
Sectors like tech, newer startups, and certain structured NGO programs tend to have more defined roles for interns, though no field is completely immune to this kind of misuse.
What should my first step be if I’m facing unpaid overtime?
Start a private record. Note dates, times, and the tasks you did after hours. This isn’t to immediately confront your supervisor, but to have evidence.
You can then have a calm conversation referencing your contract, or use this log if you need to escalate matters to HR or your university’s placement coordinator.
Are female interns more likely to face the psychological humiliation?
Unfortunately, yes. While anyone can be a target, young female interns often report higher rates of belittling comments, having their expertise questioned, and being assigned stereotypically ‘soft’ tasks.
This is part of a wider workplace dynamic. It’s crucial to seek support from trusted colleagues or mentors within the organisation who can advocate for you.
Where can I report an internship that violates labour laws?
Your first point of contact should be the internship coordinator at your learning institution. They have a responsibility for your welfare.
For serious legal issues like sustained unpaid work, you can file a query with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection through their offices or online portal. The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) also offers guidance.
Is it worth quitting a horrible internship early?
Yes, if your well-being is at serious risk. A toxic environment can damage your confidence and mental health more than a gap on your CV.
Always try to exit professionally by giving notice and stating your reasons to your supervisor and your university, if applicable. Don’t just disappear.
