Can I get a tech internship in first year?

Yes, but it is harder. Most formal programmes target second-year and third-year students. Your best option in first year is a startup or small company that values enthusiasm over experience. Read the guide on getting a tech internship in first year for specific advice.

Do tech internships in Kenya pay?

It varies. Large companies like Safaricom and Microsoft ADC typically pay a monthly stipend. Startups may offer less or nothing. Some cover transport and lunch only. Ask about compensation during the application process so you can plan.

Should I only apply to companies in Nairobi?

Nairobi has the highest concentration of tech companies, but Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru also have tech firms. Remote internships are another option, especially with companies based outside Kenya.

How many companies should I apply to?

At least ten. The acceptance rate for competitive internships is low. Applying to one or two companies and hoping for the best is a recipe for disappointment. Cast a wide net, then choose from the offers you receive.

Companies in Kenya that take student tech interns | Campus

Companies in Kenya that take student tech interns

Safaricom, Andela, Microsoft ADC, Google Kenya, KCB, Equity Bank, and several mid-size tech companies regularly accept student interns. Most post openings on LinkedIn, their career pages, or university notice boards. Applications typically open three to six months before the internship period. Start looking early, prepare a portfolio with real projects, and apply to at least ten companies.

Large companies that regularly take tech interns

These companies have structured internship programmes that open annually or per semester:

Safaricom: one of the largest intern employers in Kenya. Applications open on their careers page, usually around February for mid-year placements. Engineering, data, and product roles are available.
Microsoft Africa Development Center (ADC): based in Nairobi. Their internship programme is competitive and well-structured. Look for openings on the Microsoft Careers site under the Nairobi location.
Google Kenya: student placements are posted on the Google Careers site. They typically look for students with strong coding skills and open-source contributions.
KCB Group and Equity Bank: both run graduate and intern programmes that include technology roles. Check their career pages between January and March.

Large company internships are competitive. Expect hundreds of applicants for each slot. A strong CV and a portfolio with real projects improve your chances significantly.

Mid-size companies and startups

Smaller companies often provide better learning experiences because you get closer to the product and the team. Some that regularly take student interns:

Twiga Foods, Sendy, Apollo Agriculture: agritech and logistics companies that employ developers and data analysts.
Flutterwave Kenya, Paystack (Nairobi): fintech companies where you can work on payment systems and APIs.
Africa's Talking: a communications API company. Great for students interested in building SMS, USSD, or voice products.
Moringa School, eMobilis: edtech companies that sometimes take tech interns for internal tools and platform work.

Startups are less formal about application windows. Many hire interns when they need help, not on a fixed schedule. Sending a direct email with your portfolio and a short note about what you can contribute works better than waiting for a job posting.

Where to find internship openings

LinkedIn. Follow the companies listed above and turn on job alerts for "intern" and "attachment" in Kenya. Most tech companies post openings here first.

Company career pages. Bookmark the career pages of five to ten companies you admire. Check them monthly.

University career offices. Your university career services office receives internship requests from companies. Visit them or join their mailing list.

WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Student tech groups share internship openings regularly. Join groups for your course, your tech club, and general Kenyan developer communities.

Direct outreach. If a company does not have a formal programme, email them anyway. "I am a second-year CS student at [university]. I have built [project]. I am looking for a three-month internship. Would you consider hosting me?" This works more often than you would expect, especially at smaller companies.

Also check for remote internship opportunities if you are not based in Nairobi.

What tech companies look for in student interns

Technical skills matter, but they are not everything. Here is what most hiring managers mention:

A GitHub profile with real projects. Not tutorials, not cloned repos. Projects you built, even small ones, that show you can code. Get started with GitHub here.
Communication. Can you explain your project clearly? Can you write a coherent email? Interns who communicate well get more responsibility.
Curiosity. Students who ask questions and try things on their own stand out. Companies want interns who will learn, not just wait for instructions.
Reliability. Show up on time. Meet deadlines. Reply to emails. These basics eliminate half the applicant pool.

What to do this week

Bookmark the career pages of five companies you would like to intern at and check them monthly.
Turn on LinkedIn job alerts for tech intern and attachment roles in Kenya.
Update your GitHub profile with at least two completed projects before applying.
Send one direct application email this week to a company you admire, even if they have not posted an opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a tech internship in first year?: Yes, but it is harder. Most formal programmes target second-year and third-year students. Your best option in first year is a startup or small company that values enthusiasm over experience. Read the guide on getting a tech internship in first year for specific advice.
Do tech internships in Kenya pay?: It varies. Large companies like Safaricom and Microsoft ADC typically pay a monthly stipend. Startups may offer less or nothing. Some cover transport and lunch only. Ask about compensation during the application process so you can plan.
Should I only apply to companies in Nairobi?: Nairobi has the highest concentration of tech companies, but Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru also have tech firms. Remote internships are another option, especially with companies based outside Kenya.
How many companies should I apply to?: At least ten. The acceptance rate for competitive internships is low. Applying to one or two companies and hoping for the best is a recipe for disappointment. Cast a wide net, then choose from the offers you receive.