The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is a premier national institution mandated to promote, streamline, coordinate, and regulate agricultural research in Kenya. It is charged with developing, adapting, and disseminating appropriate technologies that contribute to sustainable agricultural productivity. KALRO is at the heart of Kenya’s agricultural innovation ecosystem, working to transform the agricultural sector through scientific excellence and strategic innovation.
In pursuit of its strategic mandate and to bolster its leadership capacity, KALRO invites applications from highly qualified, visionary, and experienced individuals to serve in the position of Director General. This is a high-level leadership role offering a rare opportunity to contribute directly to the transformation of agriculture and livestock sectors in Kenya.
Position Title: Director General
Job Grade: KR 1
Reference Number: KALRO/DG/1
Duty Station: Nairobi
Deadline for Application: 22nd July 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
Introduction to the Role
The Director General (DG) serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KALRO and is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, coordination of research programs, resource mobilization, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. The DG is expected to guide the organization in implementing innovative solutions and research initiatives that are aligned with Kenya’s development priorities in agriculture and livestock.
This position is not just administrative—it is a transformative role for an individual with the intellectual capacity, strategic foresight, policy literacy, and stakeholder diplomacy to lead the organization into a new era of innovation and relevance in the dynamic agricultural research landscape.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this position is to provide strategic direction and oversight for the entire organization, ensuring that all programs, policies, and research activities are harmonized with KALRO’s mandate and national agricultural priorities. The DG is also responsible for operational efficiency, organizational culture, and maintaining a high-performance environment within KALRO.
The role encompasses championing KALRO’s vision and mission while ensuring that the institution complies with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act of 2013, particularly within the context of agricultural sector reforms.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Director General shall report to the Board of Management and shall be responsible for the following core functions:
- Strategic Leadership and Vision
Provide overall leadership and strategic direction of the organization by designing and guiding the implementation of long-term research and development plans. - Operational Oversight
Manage the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring seamless administrative, technical, and financial operations across all departments and regional institutes. - Staff Management and Organizational Culture
Administer, organize, and control the organization’s human resource base; foster a professional, innovative, and performance-driven culture that enhances service delivery. - Policy Development and Coordination
Formulate and coordinate the implementation of policies, programs, and strategies. Ensure alignment with national policies and report regularly to the Board on organizational performance. - Technological Advancement and Research Innovation
Spearhead the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and innovative research solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of the agricultural and livestock sectors. - Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
Review and evaluate the operational performance of departments and institutes regularly, and ensure attainment of agreed performance indicators and deliverables. - Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
Build and sustain strategic linkages with stakeholders including government agencies, universities, donor organizations, international research bodies, and private sector players. - Resource Mobilization and Financial Stewardship
Mobilize financial and technical resources and ensure the formulation and implementation of prudent financial policies. Safeguard the organization’s assets and resources. - Legal Compliance and Institutional Integrity
Ensure adherence to national and international legal frameworks relevant to agricultural research. Promote ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all operations. - Intellectual Property Management
Oversee the establishment, maintenance, and protection of intellectual property generated through research, ensuring appropriate commercial strategies are adopted. - Information Management and Knowledge Dissemination
Coordinate internal and external flow of research information, and ensure research outputs are disseminated and utilized effectively to create impact across the sector. - Sectoral Contribution and National Development
Monitor and evaluate the impact of research and innovations on agricultural development and social improvement in the country, and provide data to support national policy formulation.
Job Requirements
To be considered for appointment as Director General, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications and competencies:
- Experience
- A minimum of 15 years’ experience in agricultural and/or livestock research, with at least five (5) years in a senior management role within a reputable institution.
- Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Animal Health, Environmental Science, Crop Improvement, Agricultural Economics, Biotechnology, Horticulture, Soil Science, Veterinary Medicine, Molecular Biology, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Master’s Degree in disciplines including but not limited to Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Entomology, Biotechnology, Animal Science, Crop Production, Livestock Systems, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or other related fields.
- PhD in any relevant discipline including Agricultural Science, Biometrics, Agricultural Extension, Soil and Water Engineering, Crop Physiology, Range Management, Horticulture, Bioinformatics, Nutrition, Weed Ecology, Agricultural Biotechnology, or other related areas from a recognized institution.
- Professional Training
- Must possess a certificate in Strategic Leadership from a recognized institution, with a course duration of not less than four (4) weeks.
- Core Competencies and Skills
- Comprehensive understanding of Government policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Proven integrity and high ethical standards.
- Strong leadership and organizational abilities with the capacity to inspire teams and foster institutional development.
- Proficiency in policy formulation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
- Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Adept at managing multidisciplinary teams and navigating complex organizational systems.
- Legal and Ethical Compliance
- Must meet the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.
- Must be computer literate and possess proficiency in relevant digital applications.
- Sectoral Understanding
- Deep understanding of Kenya’s agricultural and livestock sectors and the ability to translate national development goals into tangible research outputs and sectoral interventions.
Application Process
KALRO has provided four avenues through which eligible candidates may submit their applications. Interested candidates must choose only one method of application and ensure their submission is complete before the deadline.
1. Online Application (Recommended Method)
Applicants may submit their applications online through the official application portal by completing the online form and uploading the necessary documents.
2. Email Application
Applicants may email their application letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and copies of relevant academic and professional certificates to:
Email Address: [email protected]
Subject Line: Application for Director General – Job Ref. KALRO/DG/1
3. Postal Application
Applicants may send hard copies of their application documents via postal mail, quoting the Job Reference Number on the envelope, to:
The Board Chairman
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Kaptagat Road, Loresho
P.O. Box 57811 – 00200
Nairobi, Kenya
4. Hand Delivery
Applicants may hand-deliver their application documents in hard copy format, clearly labeled with the Job Reference Number, to the following address:
The Office of the Board Chairman
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization Headquarters
Kaptagat Road, Loresho, Nairobi
Important Notes
- Applicants must ensure that their application documents are complete, legible, and submitted by only one method.
- All applications must be received on or before Monday, 22nd July 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This is a rare and prestigious opportunity to lead one of the most important research institutions in Kenya. KALRO is seeking a transformative leader with the vision, academic grounding, and technical expertise to steer the organization towards innovation, impact, and sustainability in agricultural and livestock research.
If you believe you have the passion, qualifications, and leadership acumen to drive Kenya’s agricultural research agenda into the future, you are encouraged to apply today through one of the methods listed above.
