The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Government of Kenya through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP), is proud to announce internship opportunities under the NORAD-Grant Project titled “Advancing Resilient and Nutrition-sensitive Smallholder Aquaculture (ARNSA)”.
The ARNSA initiative is an extension of ongoing efforts by ABDP to promote sustainable aquaculture and improve livelihoods in Kenya. This new phase is specifically designed to complement existing activities while introducing targeted interventions that address youth employment and sectoral capacity building.
The overall objective of the ARNSA project is to reduce rural poverty and improve nutrition outcomes through a thriving, sustainable smallholder aquaculture industry. To help achieve this, the internship programme aims to nurture a new generation of aquaculture professionals who possess not only technical skills but also business acumen critical for transforming the aquaculture sector.
This article presents an in-depth overview of the internship programme including the responsibilities of interns, eligibility requirements, and the value the programme offers. It is tailored to attract ambitious, passionate, and qualified young Kenyans looking to build impactful careers in aquaculture.
Overview of the Internship Programme
The internship is a structured six-month programme designed for recent graduates in the aquaculture value chain. Selected interns will be placed in various aquaculture-related organizations — including public institutions, private companies, and community-based enterprises — where they will gain practical hands-on experience.
The focus is on exposing interns to real-world industry environments, enabling them to refine their technical knowledge, build professional networks, and enhance their employability. Furthermore, the programme encourages interns to prepare a business plan as part of their learning journey, giving them a foundational toolkit for future self-employment or entrepreneurship within the aquaculture sector.
Internship Job Description (JD)
Interns will be assigned to aquaculture value chain establishments across various counties, and their daily responsibilities will reflect the real-world demands of aquaculture operations. Below is a breakdown of the key responsibilities and duties that interns are expected to undertake:
1. Technical Support and Farm Operations
- Assist in the daily management of aquaculture farms including feeding, water quality monitoring, fish health monitoring, and harvesting.
- Support in the application of modern fish farming techniques, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), pond management, cage culture, and hatchery operations.
- Participate in fish breeding programs, fingerling production, and broodstock maintenance.
- Engage in the collection of production data for record-keeping and analysis.
2. Extension and Community Engagement
- Provide technical assistance and support to smallholder farmers within the project’s target areas.
- Work with extension officers and local aquaculture groups to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
- Contribute to training programs for farmer groups on best aquaculture management practices (BMPs).
- Assist in conducting on-farm trials and demonstrations to showcase improved aquaculture techniques.
3. Business Development and Value Chain Support
- Participate in market linkage initiatives and support farmers in developing market-driven aquaculture enterprises.
- Collaborate in creating aquaculture enterprise plans, including budgeting, value addition strategies, and financial modeling.
- Contribute to the analysis of aquaculture business operations for profitability, risk, and sustainability.
- Assist in the development of viable business plans as part of the internship exit requirement.
4. Research, Innovation, and Reporting
- Assist in the implementation of research activities related to fish nutrition, genetics, disease control, and environmental sustainability.
- Contribute to data collection, processing, and analysis for various aquaculture research projects under ABDP or partner organizations.
- Support the preparation of technical reports and presentations.
- Prepare a final internship report outlining lessons learned, achievements, and a business concept note for future aquaculture enterprise development.
5. Administration and Logistics
- Support administrative tasks related to aquaculture programs such as scheduling, report writing, and stakeholder coordination.
- Maintain records of daily activities, participate in project meetings, and prepare weekly progress updates.
- Handle logistics for field trips, farmer meetings, and training sessions as assigned by the host institution.
Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this competitive internship opportunity, applicants must meet the following eligibility and qualification criteria:
- Must be a Kenyan citizen and a resident within the country.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Candidates must be recent graduates — specifically those who have completed degree-level education within the last three (3) years from a recognized institution.
- Academic qualifications must be in any of the following disciplines:
- Fisheries
- Aquaculture
- Aquatic Sciences
- Other relevant disciplines aligned with the aquaculture value chain such as Environmental Science, Agribusiness, Animal Science, or Marine Biology.
- Applicants must be currently unemployed and must not have been exposed to formal work experience within their area of study.
- Candidates must demonstrate sufficient theoretical knowledge and possess the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to aquaculture establishments in either public or private sectors.
- Must be prepared to prepare and submit a concept note detailing their interest in aquaculture and a business plan outlining their entrepreneurial vision within the sector.
- Should exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Teamwork and a results-oriented mindset are essential.
- Female applicants and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Willingness to work in rural-based aquaculture establishments and under minimal supervision is crucial.
Why Apply for the ABDP/ARNSA Internship Programme?
The ARNSA internship programme provides more than just experience; it is a stepping stone to meaningful employment and entrepreneurial ventures in aquaculture. Here’s what interns will gain:
- Workplace Experience: Interns will be exposed to both the technical and business dimensions of aquaculture. This hands-on experience will allow them to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.
- Career Development: By defining career goals and gaining clarity on the various professional pathways within aquaculture, interns will build a roadmap for long-term career success.
- Business Skills and Innovation: Interns will be encouraged to develop business plans, enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. This fosters the transition from job seekers to job creators.
- Mentorship and Networking: Interns will have access to mentors and industry professionals, creating valuable networks that could lead to future employment or partnerships.
- Enhanced Employability: With six months of intensive fieldwork and a structured training program, interns will significantly increase their marketability to employers across the aquaculture and agribusiness sectors.
Host Organizations and Placement Areas
Interns will be placed in a range of institutions including:
- Government Fisheries Departments
- Private Aquaculture Enterprises
- Hatcheries and Feed Companies
- Research Institutions
- Community-Based Aquaculture Projects
- NGOs engaged in aquaculture and rural development
These placements are strategically selected to ensure interns gain a well-rounded experience across production, value addition, marketing, and policy aspects of aquaculture.
Application Procedure
Applicants are required to submit their applications online. The detailed instructions on how to apply, including the required documents and submission process, are available at:
The application portal includes guidelines on preparing a concept note and other relevant materials required as part of the submission.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted on or before:
Friday, 25th April 2025
Late applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the selection process.
This is an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates passionate about aquaculture to immerse themselves in a transformative journey. The internship under the ARNSA project is not merely a placement — it is a catalyst for empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth in Kenya’s aquaculture landscape.
By joining the ARNSA internship programme, you position yourself as a pioneer and changemaker in one of the most promising agricultural sectors. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to grow, innovate, and contribute to a national agenda, then this is your chance.
Apply today and take the first bold step toward a fulfilling career in aquaculture.
