Presidential Digital Talent Programme 2026 – Cohort XI in Kenya (Paid ICT Internship)

Applications are now open for the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) 2026 – Cohort XI, a prestigious 12-month internship programme designed to equip young Kenyan ICT graduates with practical workplace experience, professional mentorship, and industry-relevant digital skills. Implemented by the ICT Authority on behalf of Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), the programme seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and the evolving needs of the digital economy.

The Presidential Digital Talent Programme is one of Kenya's flagship digital skills initiatives, providing recent graduates with an opportunity to work in government institutions while receiving structured training, coaching, certification, and mentorship from experienced professionals. Through the programme, participants gain practical experience that prepares them for careers in ICT, innovation, and public service while contributing to Kenya's digital transformation agenda.

About the Programme

The Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP), also known as DigiTalent, is a Public-Private Partnership initiative established to develop a pipeline of highly skilled ICT professionals capable of supporting Kenya's digital transformation. The programme combines structured workplace experience with technical training, coaching, mentorship, and innovation activities to prepare graduates for employment in both the public and private sectors.

Interns are deployed to Ministries, Counties, Departments, and Agencies (MCDAs) across Kenya, where they contribute to digital projects while building practical experience in government ICT operations. Throughout the internship, participants receive continuous professional development through specialized technical training, industry certifications, mentorship, and networking opportunities with ICT experts.

The programme also promotes innovation by encouraging participants to develop technology-driven solutions that address public service challenges and improve digital service delivery across government institutions.

Specialization Tracks

Applicants can apply under one of the following specialization areas:

• Networks and Digital Infrastructure
• Software Development and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Information Security
• Data Analytics
• Multimedia (Graphic Design and Digital Marketing)

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A fully structured 12-month internship.
• Practical workplace experience in government institutions.
• Professional coaching and mentorship.
• Specialized ICT training and certification opportunities.
• Opportunities to build professional networks.
• Hands-on experience working on digital transformation projects.
• Exposure to innovation and solution development.
• Enhanced employability in the ICT and technology sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must:

• Be Kenyan citizens aged between 21 and 29 years.
• Be unemployed at the time of application.
• Have graduated within the last two years (from January 2024 onwards).
• Hold a First Class or Second Class Upper Division degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
• Be recent graduates in BSc ICT or Engineering disciplines, including:
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Information Security
• Demonstrate strong technical competencies relevant to their chosen specialization.
• Not have previously participated in a Government of Kenya internship programme.
• Be available for full-time deployment (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) anywhere across Kenya's 47 counties.

Students awaiting graduation by December 2026 may also apply, provided they submit an official recommendation letter from their university confirming they are expected to graduate with First Class or Upper Second-Class Honours. Women, persons with disabilities, and graduates from ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) regions are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why You Should Apply

The Presidential Digital Talent Programme offers far more than a traditional internship. Participants gain real-world experience working on government digital transformation initiatives while developing technical and leadership skills that are highly valued by employers.

The programme provides access to mentorship, professional certification opportunities, and networking with experienced ICT professionals. Graduates also strengthen their career prospects by gaining practical experience that enhances their transition into employment within government, private companies, startups, and the broader technology ecosystem.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official Presidential Digital Talent Programme application portal.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and available specialization tracks.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload the required academic documents and supporting materials.
5. Submit the application before the deadline.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews to assess their technical competencies and suitability for the programme.