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KHRC Internships

HowKE Team

General Information

It has been over thirteen years since the first internship at the KHRC took place. The Internship programme first carried in 1992 has been a resounding success as attested by the end internship reports submitted by the different National and International Interns that have participated in the Programme. The aim of the internship programme is to contribute to the training of young human rights workers. The programme intends to:

  • Increase the intern’s understanding of current human rights issues at the community, national, regional and international level and give them an insight into the work of the Kenya Human Rights Commission;
  • Provide the KHRC mechanisms and assistants with the assistances and contributions of outstanding young students.

The relationship between the organization and the intern is one of mutual benefit. Interns are assigned to a project according programme needs and their own areas of interest. They are involved, inter alia in; researching human rights issues, drafting analytical papers and reports, providing substantive and technical servicing of meetings, back-stopping fact-finding missions as well as field operations and supporting other KHRC activities depending on programme needs. As part of the internship programme, the KHRC endeavors to brief interns through a series of information sessions on human rights issues conducted by staff of the office.

Purpose of Internship

Each year, we host interns drawn from our six partner communities, universities and other tertiary institutions in Kenya as well as other countries. The interns are generally young people who are still in college or have recently graduated and have the keen interest to learn more about human rights and acquire a practical experience.

The internship programme enables aspiring human rights activists to master the dynamics in human rights work and acquire relevant experience in the various programs at the Commission – fact-finding, documentation and reporting, human rights education and advocacy. This equips them with adequate knowledge to address human rights concerns and violations in the country.

Internship recruitment is on a bi-annual basis. The KHRC also welcomes international interns to work during the summer, usually between May – August.

Guiding Principles

  • Internships offered are in line with KHRC’s programmes and activities;
  • A restricted number of interns would be allowed at the Commission for a specific period of time taking into account considerations of space, availability of mentors and equipment;
  • Interns will be assigned to work with a supervisor who is responsible for providing them with a description of duties and a work plan. Upon completion of the internship, both the supervisor and the intern are required to complete an evaluation questionnaire on his/her assignment which will be submitted to the convener of the internship committee. In addition, every intern is requested to report describing what was achieved during the internship.

Conditions of Service

Administration Policy

  • The KHRC shall enter into a contract with an intern following a successful application;
  • The contract will be binding to both parties for the duration of the internship;
  • Interns will receive detailed orientation, which will include both the philosophy and work practices of the KHRC;
  • Interns cannot represent the KHRC at any public events without the prior consent of their supervisors and;
  • Inters will be expected to adhere to all KHRC’s regulations, polices and procedures.

Responsibilities of KHRC

  • The KHRC shall provide the intern with a conducive working environment
  • The KHRC shall provide the intern with working space;
  • The KHRC shall provide the requisite equipment throughout the internship period and
  • The KHRC shall pay the intern a modest stipend to offset expenses for the duration of the internship (this however does not apply to International applicants)

Responsibilities of the Intern

  • The intern must be available for a minimum of 10 weeks;
  • The intern shall demonstrate willingness to fully and actively participate in the learning experience in the Commission by planning their programme with the Mentor;
  • The Intern shall participate in the introduction and orientation programmes of the Commission
  • The intern shall avail himself/herself for relevant skills development intervention planned by the commission; and

There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship. As per policy, an intern cannot apply for any regular or temporary position with the KHRC during the internship and for a period of one month following the expiration date thereof.

Application requirements:

  • Interns should apply to the Internship Committee at the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
  • A letter describing why you are interested in interning with the Kenya Human Rights Commission and what special skills or experience you have that would fit with our programmes
  • A resume / curriculum vitae showing academic accomplishment, work experience, volunteer experience etc. Please include your email address.
  • The names, phone numbers and email addresses of two references (one academic and one work-related preferred). Please include the title and organization of the referees and a few words indicating the context of your work with them.
  • A brief unedited (professionally) writing sample that should be an academic essay roughly five pages long on any issue around human rights.

    International applicants only:
  • Summer internships require a minimum commitment of twelve weeks. Fall and Spring teams usually involve a commitment of at least 10 weeks. If your availability does not match the time period above, please inquire about alternatives.

Internship Dates
The Internship at Kenya Human Rights Commission has since changed to 6 months. For those interested in Internship, they can apply for the intake in September online or they can drop a hard copy at our offices.

Contact Information: Send applications to:

Internship Coordinator
Internship Programme
Kenya Human Rights Commission
Valley Arcade, Gitanga Road
P.O Box 41079 – 00100 Nairobi Kenya
Email: internship@khrc.or.ke or admin@khrc.or.ke

HowKE Team

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