The ICT Authority of Kenya has opened applications for recent graduates to join the prestigious Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort X for the 2025/2026 intake. This flagship government programme seeks to nurture the next wave of ICT professionals who will be central to driving Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
Over the years, PDTP has offered hundreds of young Kenyans hands-on experience and mentorship in the fast-evolving ICT sector. It is a highly sought-after initiative that blends real workplace training across government and private organizations with career coaching, knowledge development, and personal growth.
Introduction to the Programme
The Presidential Digital Talent Programme, also known as DigiTalent, is a structured 12-month internship designed to equip young ICT graduates with the skills and experience needed to thrive in professional roles across ICT and related sectors.
The initiative combines learning, mentorship, and practical application. Participants are placed in government agencies and selected private sector partners, where they apply academic knowledge in real work environments while also engaging with ongoing innovations in ICT. This approach bridges the gap between theory and industry expectations.
Interns benefit from:
- Hands-on training in specialized ICT areas
- Mentorship by seasoned experts
- Networking and peer learning opportunities
- Firsthand exposure to government and private ICT operations
- Career guidance and employability skills development
By doing so, DigiTalent contributes directly to Kenya’s digital economy goals, positioning ICT as a driver of social and economic growth. Participants join a community of innovators and problem-solvers dedicated to public service and national progress.
Programme Structure and Opportunities
The 2025/2026 DigiTalent Cohort X targets recent graduates (within the past two years or awaiting graduation) with strong academic records. Selected interns will be deployed into five core specialization areas, each tailored to support career growth:
- Network and Digital Infrastructure (150 positions)
- Software Development and Artificial Intelligence (100 positions)
- Information Security (50 positions)
- Multimedia (Graphic Design) and Digital Marketing (50 positions)
- Data Analytics (50 positions)
These focus areas address Kenya’s evolving ICT needs while equipping interns with globally competitive expertise.
Detailed Internship Opportunities by Specialization
1. Network and Digital Infrastructure (150 placements)
This stream focuses on the ICT backbone—networks, connectivity, and infrastructure that sustain digital operations. Interns will:
- Design and manage networks in ministries, counties, and agencies
- Support internet, intranet, and cloud deployments
- Configure routers, switches, servers, and wireless systems
- Troubleshoot and diagnose network issues
- Assist in implementing secure digital government services
- Contribute to ICT inclusion projects in underserved areas
- Participate in audits, maintenance, and capacity-building initiatives
This track suits graduates in telecommunications, network engineering, and related areas.
2. Software Development and Artificial Intelligence (100 placements)
This specialization targets graduates passionate about building digital platforms and AI-driven solutions. Interns will:
- Develop and maintain public sector applications
- Engage in coding, debugging, and testing
- Collaborate on AI models to enhance service delivery
- Support automation of government workflows
- Learn agile and version control methodologies
- Contribute to secure, scalable software solutions
- Explore machine learning, NLP, and automation tools
Interns gain exposure to innovation labs and collaborative tech teams.
3. Information Security (50 placements)
As digital adoption grows, so does the need for robust security. Interns will:
- Support creation and enforcement of ICT security frameworks
- Assist with penetration testing and security audits
- Monitor and respond to cyber incidents
- Learn best practices in encryption, data protection, and authentication
- Promote cybersecurity awareness among staff
- Contribute to compliance and research on cyber resilience
Participants will work closely with national cybersecurity professionals to strengthen digital defenses.
4. Multimedia (Graphic Design) and Digital Marketing (50 placements)
This track develops creative professionals for the digital communication space. Interns will:
- Design graphics, animations, and videos for government campaigns
- Contribute to branding strategies for institutions
- Manage websites, social media, and online campaigns
- Conduct marketing research and analytics
- Collaborate on visual storytelling and content creation
The programme merges ICT with creative industries, preparing interns for multimedia and digital communication careers.
5. Data Analytics (50 placements)
This specialization builds expertise in data-driven decision-making. Interns will:
- Collect, clean, and process datasets
- Create dashboards, reports, and visualizations
- Apply statistical tools for performance evaluation
- Support policy teams with data insights
- Participate in big/open data projects for transparency
- Use tools such as SQL, Python, R, and Excel
- Apply analytics to improve service delivery
Interns will directly shape evidence-based governance while boosting their global competitiveness.
Internship Objectives
The DigiTalent programme aims to:
- Build a skilled ICT workforce for Kenya’s digital economy
- Prepare graduates for ICT and related industry roles
- Enhance workplace readiness through mentorship and exposure
- Foster collaboration between public and private ICT stakeholders
- Support government efforts to deliver efficient digital services
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have graduated (Jan 2023 onward) with First or Upper Second-Class Honors, or equivalent
- If awaiting graduation (by Dec 2025), provide a stamped recommendation letter indicating honors classification
- Hold a degree in ICT-related fields such as:
- ICT
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunications
- Systems/Software Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- ICT
- Be Kenyan, aged 21–29, and unemployed
- Not have participated in another government internship
- Be willing to work full-time (8 am–5 pm) in any ministry, county, or agency across all 47 counties
- Applicants from ASAL regions, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged
Application Guidelines
Applications must be submitted online via the official DigiTalent portal. Applicants will fill in a form, upload academic documents, and provide contact details.
Shortlisted candidates may undergo interviews or technical assessments. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Programme Impact
Since launch, the DigiTalent programme has:
- Improved employability of graduates entering jobs or entrepreneurship
- Injected innovation into public service through youthful talent
- Created a pipeline of ICT leaders for Kenya’s digital future
- Strengthened Kenya’s role as a regional ICT hub, aligned with Vision 2030 and the Digital Economy Blueprint
By joining, interns not only acquire skills but also contribute to digital inclusivity and improved service delivery nationwide.
Application Deadline
Applications close Monday, 15th September 2025, at midnight. Late submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official DigiTalent portal link provided.https://recruitment.digitalent.go.ke
