The Influence of Public Service Internship Program on Youth Employability in Nairobi City County
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Date
2022
Authors
Matere, Alex
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The effects of internship programs on the employability of the youth have been understudied. The youths are the present and future of any nation since they have crucial implications for future economic growth, development, and stability. As such, if youth unemployment is overlooked, it has the potential to have significant and serious social repercussions. However, unemployment among the youth is rampant across the world. This study aimed to examine how the Public Service Internship Program (PSIP) affected young people's employment. This study was guided by specific objectives which were to investigate the impact of career orientation on youth employability, the impact of professional certification on youth employability, the impact of skill readiness on youth employability, and the impact of mentoring on young people's employability in Nairobi City County. The researcher used a descriptive research design to assess the influence of PSIP on employability. The targeted population of the study was 1,439 interns who benefited from the government-sponsored internship programs and were posted in various state departments, agencies, and ministries in 2018. A sufficient sample for the research was selected using random and stratified sampling methods. Using Slovin's formulas, the sample size for the study was established. A structured questionnaire would be used to gather the data, that assisted gather both qualitative and quantitative information. The data was analysed using SPSS. Data analysis used descriptive statistics like the mean and standard deviation. The study further analysed the relationship between the predictor and predicted variables using inferential statistics. Pearson correlation and regression model were used to test the significance of the study variables. The researcher followed all the ethical considerations during the process of conducting the study. Therefore, participation was voluntary and confidentiality was assured. The investigator made sure that the respondents gave written informed consent. In addition, the investigator requested an approval letter from the institution and study permission from the NACOSTI before gathering data. The study found a significant and positive association between career orientation and youth employability (r =0.338, p =0.002), a significant association between professional accreditation and youth employability (r =0.407, p =0.000), a significant relationship between skill preparedness and youth employability (r =0.380, p = 0.001), and a significant relationship between mentorship and youth employment prospects (r =0.246, p =0.030). Consequently, the study concluded that career orientation; professional accreditation, skills preparedness, and mentorship have a positive effect on youth employability. It was, therefore, suggested that the Kenyan government in collaboration with schools, colleges universities, and parents ensures that every young people are guided throughout his or her career path through proper guidance and counselling; ensures that professional accreditation is affordable to all; quality education offered in all schools, colleges, and universities; and all learners have access to appropriate mentorship throughout their education.
Description
A Research Project to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, November, 2022
Keywords
Public Service Internship Program, Youth Employability, Nairobi City County