Over 30K applied for 150 internship positions at KPA – report

A total of 30, 102 Kenyans applied to fill 150 internship vacancies at Kenya Ports Authority, a report of the parastatal to the Senate shows.

In the report submitted to the National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration Committee, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said 12,525 applicants were shortlisted.

“The shortlisted applicants were invited for written interviews from February 12-16, 2024, at Wild Waters, Mombasa, through the KPA website and individual emails,” Ruto said.

He noted that 3,657 applicants out of the shortlisted 12,525 applicants attended interviews.

“It is important to note that in the public advertisement for applications for internship/apprenticeship vacancies in the Authority, all Kenyans who met the criteria were invited to apply and those who met the set requirements were shortlisted and invited for written interviews,” Ruto added.

Of the total shortlisted applicants, 7,544 were male while 4,981 were female.

Kalenjins formed the majority of those shortlisted at 2,323, Kikuyu (1,944), Luo (1,850), Luhya (1,500), Kamba (1,372), Kisii (850) and Meru (372).

KPA advertised the 150 internship slots on the Authority's website, MyGov, and local newspapers with effect from November 7-27, 2023.

The internship applications were done online.

Ruto noted that several parameters were used during the shortlisting process.

Applicants aged above 34 years were disqualified as well as those who had benefited from a similar internship programme.

Applicants with work experience and those who had not graduated or completed their studies were also disqualified.

KPA also eliminated certificates, diplomas, high national diplomas, degrees and Master's qualifications that were not specified in the advert.

Applicants who did not indicate their full names, filled applications incorrectly or failed to complete the application, or failed to input national identification numbers, academic qualifications and contacts (email and telephone numbers) were also eliminated.

Ruto said KPA gave prioritised applicants with disabilities and gender balance.

“It is important to note that all applicants were subjected to the above mentioned criteria during the shortlisting exercise,” he said.

Ruto added that KPA recognises the need to ensure fair and equitable representation of disability, gender and the diverse Kenyan ethnic communities and groups including minorities and marginalised groups among others in its recruitment and selection processes.

He added that recruitment process for the 150 interns in the Authority is yet to be completed.