Securing industrial attachments is a mandatory and exciting milestone for university and college students in Kenya. While private companies offer great opportunities, landing an attachment placement in a government parastatal is often considered the holy grail.
Why? Because parastatals offer structured learning environments, massive networking opportunities, prestige on your CV, and in some cases, a monthly student stipend.
If you are looking for the best places to apply for your 3-month practicum, here are the top 10 government parastatals offering industrial attachments in Kenya, what they look for, and how to position yourself for acceptance.
1. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
KRA is arguably the most sought-after parastatal for attachments in Kenya. They offer a highly structured 3-month attachment program (usually with intakes in January-March, May-July, and September-November).
- Who can apply: 3rd and 4th-year undergraduates, and final-year diploma students in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Supply Chain, HR, Marketing, and ICT.
- The Perk: KRA is one of the few government institutions known to pay a monthly student stipend for attachments (currently around Kshs. 7,000, subject to statutory deductions).
- How to apply: All applications for these attachments are strictly done through the KRA Careers and e-recruitment portal when advertisements are rolled out.
2. Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
If you are pursuing a technical course, KPLC should be at the top of your list for industrial attachments. Kenya Power handles massive infrastructure projects, offering unparalleled hands-on experience.
- Who can apply: Degree, Diploma, and Craft Certificate students in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, IT, and Business-related fields.
- How to apply: Industrial attachment opportunities are listed on the official Kenya Power website under the “Career Opportunities” tab. You will need to quote specific reference numbers (e.g., KP1/ATTGRAD/26/1 for graduates) during the application.
3. Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC)
Working in the oil and gas sector is highly lucrative, and attachments at KPC give you a front-row seat to how petroleum products are transported and managed across East Africa.
- Who can apply: Students seeking attachments in Mechanical/Civil Engineering, Finance, ICT, HR, and Marketing.
- How to apply: KPC has modernized its application process and operates a dedicated KPC attachee portal where students can create profiles and apply directly for industrial attachments.
4. Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)
As the regulatory agency for the ICT industry, telecommunications, and broadcasting in Kenya, the Communications Authority (CA) is an incredible place to intern. They handle everything from cyber security to e-commerce.
- Who can apply: Students looking for attachments in Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Public Relations, and Business courses.
- The Perk: Working in a dynamic regulatory environment alongside top industry professionals. Attachment intakes run quarterly.
5. National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
NSSF manages a massive portfolio of retirement funds and real estate. Because they have a vast network of branches countrywide, it is sometimes easier to secure industrial attachments at a regional NSSF branch rather than fighting for space at the Nairobi headquarters.
- Who can apply: Students seeking attachments in Business Administration, Finance, Real Estate Management, HR, and IT.
6. Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
If you are an academic high-achiever looking into policy, economics, or research, KIPPRA is the ultimate destination. Their highly competitive attachment and internship program only takes about 8 students per quarter.
- Who can apply: Students in Macroeconomics, Social Sciences, Trade and Foreign Policy, Law, and Knowledge Management.
- How to apply: You must submit a stellar CV, cover letter, and your university introduction letter for attachments through their official portal.
7. KenGen (Kenya Electricity Generating Company)
While Kenya Power distributes electricity, KenGen generates it. This parastatal operates massive geothermal, hydro, and wind power plants, making it a dream placement for heavy engineering students looking for industrial attachments.
- Who can apply: Geomatics, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering students, alongside corporate support courses.
- Where you’ll go: Apply through the KenGen careers page. Be prepared to be posted outside Nairobi, to sites like Olkaria (Naivasha) or the Seven Forks dams.
8. Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
For students aspiring to enter investment banking, stockbroking, or wealth management, the CMA is the premier regulatory body in the financial sector offering premium attachments.
- Who can apply: Finance, Economics, Actuarial Science, Law, and Statistics students seeking industrial attachments.
- The Perk: You will get exposure to issuer governance, market supervision, and analytics.
9. Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
For science and medical students, KEMRI offers world-class research facilities. It is one of the leading health research institutions in Africa, heavily partnering with global bodies like the CDC and WHO, making their industrial attachments highly prestigious.
- Who can apply: Students in Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Pharmacy, IT, and Data Analytics.
10. National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)
NITA is unique on this list because it is not just a place to do your industrial attachments, but it is the government body that actually regulates all industrial attachments in Kenya. However, NITA also takes in its own attachees at its headquarters and regional centers.
- Who can apply: Education, HR, Business Administration, and IT students looking for attachments.
Mandatory Requirements for Government Attachments in Kenya (2026 Checklist)
Before you start dropping your applications at these parastatals for your industrial attachments, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- University/College Introduction Letter: This is the most critical document for any attachments. It proves you are a bona fide continuing student.
- Student Personal Accident Insurance Cover: Parastatals will not let you onto their premises (especially engineering sites) without proof of an active insurance cover for the 3-month attachment duration.
- NITA Registration (ITAP): You must register your industrial attachment through NITA’s Industrial Training Attachment Portal (ITAP).
- Statutory Documents: If the parastatal pays an attachment stipend (like KRA), you must provide a KRA PIN certificate, NHIF/SHIF card, NSSF card, and an active Bank Account.
- Good Conduct Certificate: (Sometimes required by highly sensitive organizations. This can be applied for via eCitizen).
Apply early! Government parastatals receive thousands of applications for industrial attachments. Start sending out your letters at least two to three months before your university placement window begins. Good luck!
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