NCBA Group has launched the 2026 cohort of its Go Getter Internship Program, onboarding 50 graduates drawn from 16 universities across Kenya in a move aimed at tackling youth unemployment and preparing young professionals for the workplace.
The eleven-month programme is designed as an immersive learning experience, allowing interns to rotate across various business units within the Group. Participants will gain exposure in Retail Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), Investment Banking, Human Resources and Culture, Finance, and Regional Business.
Each intern will also be paired with a dedicated coach and mentor to guide them through the programme while equipping them with practical skills and opportunities to solve real business challenges.
Bridging the gap between education and employment
The launch comes at a time when youth unemployment and underemployment continue to pose major challenges in Kenya’s labour market. According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, many graduates face long waiting periods before securing stable employment opportunities.
Structured internship programmes are increasingly being viewed as critical pathways that bridge the gap between academic training and the demands of the job market. By offering workplace exposure, professional mentorship, and hands-on experience, such initiatives help graduates strengthen their employability and career readiness.
Since its inception in 2023, the Go Getter Internship Program has onboarded 200 graduates, with half of the participants transitioning into permanent and contract roles within NCBA Group.
The lender said the strong conversion rate reflects its long-term investment in nurturing future talent and building a competitive workforce.
NCBA says programme empowers young professionals
Speaking during the launch, Monicah Kihia said the programme seeks to give young people an opportunity to grow their careers despite limited prior work experience.
“In a market where young professionals are often asked to gain experience before they are given a chance, NCBA is taking a different approach, one rooted in belief. Through the Go Getter Program, we are empowering ambition by trusting young talent early, providing real-world exposure beyond the classroom, and opening clear pathways into meaningful careers,” she said.
She added that the institution believes in supporting young talent early and helping them transform their potential into meaningful impact.
Top Employer certification reinforces a people-focused culture
NCBA’s people-centred approach was recently recognised after the Group earned the 2026 Top Employer certification from the Top Employers Institute, an independent authority that evaluates workplace excellence and employee practices globally.
The Group said the certification reflects its commitment to fostering a high-performance culture and prioritising employee development.
Internship programme aligned with the Ubuntu strategy
The 2026 internship cohort is anchored within NCBA’s Ubuntu 2026–2030 Strategy, a five-year transformation framework focused on people, purpose, and shared growth.
Rooted in the philosophy of “I am because we are,” the strategy seeks to promote inclusive growth, talent development, and sustainable impact across communities served by the Group.
The internship initiative also supports the broader NCBA Change The Story sustainability agenda, which focuses on addressing youth unemployment through mentorship, skills development, and access to opportunities.
Through the programme, NCBA says it aims to continue playing a proactive role in shaping a more inclusive and resilient workforce for the future.