These two terms are often used interchangeably in Kenya, but they are not quite the same thing. Here is how they differ and how to apply for each.
In the Kenyan job market, "internship" and "industrial attachment" are often used loosely to mean the same thing, but they are formally distinct, and knowing the difference helps you apply for the right opportunity and describe it correctly on your CV.
An industrial attachment is a structured, typically unpaid or lightly stipended placement required as part of a diploma or degree program, usually lasting two to three months, with the primary purpose of fulfilling an academic requirement and giving students practical exposure before graduation. An internship is generally pursued after graduation, is more likely to be paid (though not always), tends to last longer (three months to a year), and is aimed at building professional experience rather than fulfilling a course requirement.
Currently enrolled diploma or degree students, usually in their second or third year, attaching as a mandatory part of their academic program with a supervising lecturer involved.
Recent graduates (or sometimes final-year students) seeking practical, professional experience to strengthen their CV before applying for full entry-level roles.
For an industrial attachment, most Kenyan universities and colleges have a dedicated attachment coordinator or industrial liaison office — start there, as many companies specifically request attachment placements through institutional partnerships rather than open advertisements. For internships, treat the search the same way you would a full job search: check company career pages directly, LinkedIn, and dedicated internship listings on major Kenyan job boards.
An attachment application letter should mention your institution, course, year of study and the specific duration required by your program — companies often need this information to confirm they can accommodate you. An internship application should be written more like a standard cover letter, focusing on your skills and what you can contribute, since you are competing with other graduates rather than being matched through an academic program.
Always attach an introduction or referral letter from your institution when applying for an industrial attachment — many companies will not consider attachment applications without one, as it confirms the placement is genuinely required for your course.
Whether it was an attachment or an internship, list it under Work Experience (not as a separate, lesser category) with a clear title such as "Industrial Attachment – [Department]" or "Marketing Intern," the company name, dates, and two or three specific things you did or contributed — treat it with the same level of detail as a full role. Many fresh graduates undersell their attachment experience by listing only the company name with no description, which wastes what is often their strongest piece of practical evidence for entry-level applications.
Ask your attachment or internship supervisor for a reference letter before you leave — get it in writing while the relationship is fresh. It is far harder to track someone down for a reference a year or two later.