Ever seen an internship advert and felt that shughuli ya kazi iko poa, only for them to ask for a ‘training fee’? That moment when a company asks you to pay for an internship is real, and it’s a red flag you need to understand.
We break down if this is legal in Kenya, the common tricks used, and your rights. Knowing this can save you from wasting your hard-earned money on a dodgy opportunity.
Is It Legal to Pay for an Internship in Kenya?
In most cases, no, it is not legal. An internship is meant to be a learning experience where you contribute work, and the company provides training. A common misconception is that paying a ‘registration’ or ‘administration’ fee is normal, but this is often a sign of an exploitative scheme. Legitimate companies cover their own operational costs.
The Role of the Labour Laws and NITA
Kenyan labour laws, guided by the Employment Act, protect interns from exploitation. The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) is key here. For instance, if a company is registered with NITA for industrial training, they may receive a rebate for hosting you, not charge you. A real company in Industrial Area, Nairobi, following the law, would never ask an intern for cash.
Recognizing the Common “Training Fee” Scam
Scammers often disguise the payment as a mandatory training fee, security bond, or uniform charge. They might quote amounts like KES 5,000 to KES 20,000, promising a ‘guaranteed’ job after. Remember, no legitimate employer should ask you to pay to work for them. This is a major red flag, especially for fresh graduates desperate for that first CV entry.
How These Schemes Operate and Your Real Alternatives
These companies operate by preying on the high demand for opportunities and the fear of missing out. They create a sense of urgency and legitimacy, often using fancy offices in places like Westlands or Upper Hill to appear credible. Their playbook is your first defense.
Here is how they typically structure the ask:
- The “Mandatory Induction Package”: They claim you need to pay, say, KES 15,000 for ‘official’ training materials, software access, or a company email—things a real employer provides freely.
- The “Refundable Deposit”: They ask for a security deposit, often around KES 10,000, promising to return it after the internship. This money usually disappears.
- The “Government Compliance Fee”: A bold lie claiming the fee is for NITA or PPRA (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) registration on your behalf. These bodies do not charge individual interns.
For a genuine path, focus on institutions that facilitate real internships. Check the eCitizen portal for opportunities from national and county governments. Also, explore structured programs by entities like the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) or your university’s career office, which connect students with vetted employers at no cost.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Believing “It’s Normal for Prestigious Fields”
Many think fields like media, aviation, or law require you to ‘buy’ your way in. This is false. A reputable law firm in Nairobi or a TV station does not charge interns. The correct approach is to research the standard practice in your industry by talking to professionals already in it.
Confusing It with a Recognized Course Fee
Do not mix up an internship with a certified short course from an institution like KIM or Strathmore University. If you are paying for a structured training with a certificate, that’s different. For a pure internship, your payment should be zero. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what the fee covers.
Being Pressured by “Limited Slots”
Scammers create fake urgency, saying slots are filling fast. Do not make a rushed decision. A legitimate company has a clear, transparent recruitment cycle. Instead, verify the company’s physical address, check their registration status on the eCitizen business registry, and look for reviews from past interns.
Thinking a Signed Contract Makes It Legit
Just because they give you an official-looking agreement doesn’t mean it’s enforceable, especially if it involves you paying them. A contract for an internship should outline your learning objectives and their obligations to train you, not your payment to them. If you see a fee clause, walk away immediately.
Your Action Plan: What to Do in Kenya If Asked to Pay
If a company in Kenya asks you for money, don’t panic. Your first step is to politely decline and exit the conversation. Do not give any personal details like your ID or bank information. Then, take these concrete steps to report and find real opportunities.
First, verify and report the company. Check if the business is legitimately registered by searching for it on the eCitizen Business Registration Service portal. You can report the attempted scam to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) through their social media channels or by visiting a police station. Collect any evidence like the advert, emails, or M-Pesa messages.
For finding genuine internships, focus on trusted Kenyan platforms. Regularly check:
- The Public Service Commission internship advertisements on their website, usually released around March and September.
- Your university’s career office and their industry partnerships.
- Official portals of large Kenyan corporates like Safaricom, Kenya Airways, or KCB Group, which have structured, free programs.
Remember, a real internship might only cost you transport to the office, not a registration fee. If you have to pay more than your daily matatu fare from Kayole to the CBD, something is off.
The Bottom Line
The single most important takeaway is that a legitimate internship in Kenya is about you gaining skills, not the company gaining your money. If you are asked to pay a fee, it is almost certainly a scam designed to exploit your ambition and the tough job market. Protect your future by trusting your instincts—if an offer feels off, it usually is.
Share this information with a friend or classmate who is actively job-hunting. Spreading awareness is the best way to protect our community from these predatory schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions About When a Company asks you to Pay For Internship in Kenya
What should I do if I’ve already paid a company for an internship?
First, try to get a refund by formally requesting one in writing. If they refuse, gather all your evidence—M-Pesa statements, messages, and the company details. Report the incident to the DCI via their online platforms or at your nearest police station.
You can also file a complaint with the Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (KECOPAC). Act quickly, as delaying makes it harder to trace the transaction and the individuals involved.
Are there any legitimate cases where an intern might pay a small fee?
Almost never for a standard internship. The only possible exception is if you are formally enrolled in a college course that requires a supervised industrial attachment, and the fee is paid directly to your learning institution, not the host company.
For example, your university might charge a small administrative fee for processing your placement. Any payment requested by the company itself is a major red flag.
How can I verify if a company offering an internship is legally registered?
Use the official eCitizen portal and navigate to the Business Registration Service (BRS) search tool. You can search for the company by name to confirm its registration status and physical address.
This verification should take less than five minutes. A legitimate company will have a clear record. If you find nothing or the details are vague, consider it a strong warning sign.
What if the company promises to reimburse the fee after the internship?
This is a classic tactic to make the demand seem reasonable. You should treat this promise with extreme skepticism. In reality, you will likely never see that money again, or they will find reasons to deduct from it.
A genuine employer covers your costs from the start. Do not accept any offer based on a future reimbursement, no matter how convincing they sound.
Where can I find free, verified internship opportunities in Kenya?
Start with your university’s career office. Then, regularly check the official websites of the Public Service Commission, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and large, well-known corporations like Safaricom or Equity Bank.
These platforms post opportunities during specific cycles, like the government’s intake which is often advertised in March and September. Set up alerts so you don’t miss deadlines.
