Kenya Coffee School (KCS) Internship Conduct, Certification & Transcript Policy
Purpose
The Kenya Coffee School Internship Programme is a compulsory component of the training curriculum designed to prepare learners for professional careers in the coffee industry. Every student is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, discipline, and commitment.
Internship Commitment
By accepting an internship placement, every student agrees to:
- Complete the agreed internship period unless formally released by Kenya Coffee School.
- Observe the host organization’s rules, policies, confidentiality, and code of conduct.
- Maintain professionalism, punctuality, honesty, and respect throughout the internship.
- Report any genuine challenges immediately to the Kenya Coffee School Internship Office.
Internship Withdrawal
A student shall not abandon or terminate an internship without prior written approval from Kenya Coffee School.
Acceptable reasons for withdrawal may include:
- Serious illness or medical incapacity.
- Unsafe or abusive working conditions.
- Employer misconduct or breach of labour or safety requirements.
- Other exceptional circumstances approved by Kenya Coffee School.
Failure to obtain approval before leaving an internship shall be treated as internship abandonment.
Conduct Review
Students who abandon an internship without an approved reason shall be referred to the Kenya Coffee School Internship Conduct Review Committee.
The Committee may:
- Review reports from the internship host.
- Hear the student’s explanation.
- Consider attendance, professionalism, and performance records.
- Recommend appropriate disciplinary action.
Certification Review
Where internship completion is a graduation requirement, Kenya Coffee School reserves the right to:
- Withhold the award of the relevant certificate, diploma, or professional credential until internship requirements are satisfactorily completed.
- Require the student to repeat the internship at another approved placement.
- Place the student’s certification under review where serious misconduct is established.
QR Code Digital Transcript & Verification
Kenya Coffee School issues QR Code-enabled digital transcripts and credentials.
Where a student is found, after due process, to have abandoned an internship or committed serious professional misconduct, Kenya Coffee School may update the student’s secure digital record to reflect the official status, including:
- Internship Incomplete.
- Internship Under Review.
- Certification Pending.
- Internship Successfully Completed (upon fulfilment of all requirements).
Any status update shall be visible only through the official QR Code verification system and shall accurately reflect the student’s current academic standing. If the student later completes all outstanding requirements, the digital transcript and verification record shall be updated accordingly.
Professional Integrity
Any student who:
- Falsifies internship attendance,
- Forges employer signatures,
- Submits fraudulent reports,
- Misrepresents internship completion, or
- Attempts to manipulate official internship records,
shall be subject to disciplinary proceedings, which may include suspension of certification, cancellation of internship credit, or other sanctions in accordance with Kenya Coffee School regulations.
Internship Placement Fee
Where Kenya Coffee School assists a student in sourcing, arranging, or securing an internship placement, any internship placement or administrative fee paid for this service is strictly non-refundable once placement activities have commenced or a placement has been offered.
The placement fee covers administrative processing, employer engagement, placement coordination, documentation, and related support services, irrespective of whether the student later withdraws, declines, or abandons the internship.
Right of Appeal
A student may appeal any decision of the Internship Conduct Review Committee within fourteen (14) days of receiving the decision. Appeals shall be considered by the Academic and Professional Standards Committee, whose decision shall be final.
Professional Standard
Kenya Coffee School is committed to producing competent, ethical, accountable, and globally competitive coffee professionals. Successful completion of both academic training and internship is an essential requirement for graduation and professional recognition.