The Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) is a State Corporation established under the Fisheries Management and Development Act No. 35 of 2016 with the primary mandate of conserving, managing, developing, and regulating the fisheries and aquaculture resources in Kenya. The Service operates under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable utilization of fishery resources, promoting aquaculture development, and enhancing food security while contributing to the national economy.
As Kenya continues to invest in the growth of its Blue Economy, the role of the Kenya Fisheries Service becomes ever more critical in driving sectoral transformation. The Service seeks to strengthen leadership within its operations to support effective governance, innovation, and strategic management of fisheries resources across the nation.
In this regard, the Kenya Fisheries Service invites qualified, experienced, and visionary individuals to apply for the position of Director General (KF 1) on a three-year renewable contract. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership acumen, strategic foresight, and a proven record of managing large and complex organizations within the public or private sector.
Job Title: Director General (KF 1)
Vacancy No. KeFS/HR/01/25
Contract Period: Three (3) Years
The Director General serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Fisheries Service and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, managing the day-to-day operations of the Service, and ensuring effective implementation of policies, programs, and projects in line with the organization’s mandate. The position demands a high level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to sustainable fisheries development.
Job Description
The Director General will report to the Board of Directors of the Kenya Fisheries Service and will be responsible for the following key duties and responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership and Policy Implementation
- Provide visionary leadership in formulating and implementing strategies, policies, and programs aligned with the Fisheries Management and Development Act and the national Blue Economy strategy.
- Oversee the execution of strategic plans, performance targets, and organizational reforms to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Advise the Board on policy development, sectoral reforms, and strategic partnerships that advance the objectives of the Service.
- Corporate Governance and Institutional Management
- Ensure compliance with the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in all institutional operations.
- Coordinate the preparation and implementation of performance contracts, annual work plans, and budgets.
- Provide regular reports to the Board on the Service’s performance, financial status, and operational progress.
- Human Resource and Organizational Development
- Oversee the management of human capital to foster a motivated, skilled, and high-performing workforce.
- Champion staff training, capacity building, and performance evaluation to promote professional excellence and productivity.
- Ensure fair and transparent recruitment, placement, and development practices across all levels of the Service.
- Fisheries Resource Management and Development
- Guide and supervise the formulation and enforcement of fisheries management plans and regulatory frameworks.
- Promote the sustainable exploitation, conservation, and management of fishery and aquaculture resources across Kenya’s inland and marine ecosystems.
- Support research, innovation, and adoption of modern technologies in fisheries and aquaculture production.
- Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong collaborative relationships with government agencies, county governments, regional bodies, development partners, and private sector players.
- Represent the Service in national, regional, and international forums on fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime governance.
- Advocate for Kenya’s interests in regional fisheries management organizations and global environmental frameworks.
- Financial Management and Resource Mobilization
- Oversee prudent financial management and ensure effective utilization of resources in compliance with public finance management regulations.
- Mobilize resources through partnerships, grants, and investment initiatives to support program implementation.
- Ensure proper financial reporting, auditing, and accountability mechanisms are in place and adhered to.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Establish performance measurement systems to track progress of strategic initiatives and operational outcomes.
- Supervise periodic evaluations, audits, and assessments to ensure efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Prepare and present performance and policy reports to the Board and relevant government authorities.
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Identify, analyze, and mitigate institutional and sectoral risks that may affect operational performance or sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and governance standards, including environmental and labor laws.
- Implement systems to prevent and detect fraud, corruption, and unethical conduct within the Service.
- Public Relations and Communication
- Serve as the primary spokesperson of the Kenya Fisheries Service, promoting its mission, values, and achievements to stakeholders and the public.
- Oversee the development of communication strategies to raise awareness on fisheries management, aquaculture opportunities, and environmental conservation.
- Strengthen public confidence and institutional credibility through transparency, responsiveness, and accountability.
- Innovation and Blue Economy Development
- Promote innovation, research, and development initiatives aimed at modernizing the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
- Support the integration of technology and data-driven decision-making in fisheries governance and resource monitoring.
- Drive the Service’s participation in Blue Economy initiatives to expand investment opportunities and enhance national economic growth.
Key Competencies and Attributes
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and drive organizational transformation.
- Proven strategic thinking and analytical capabilities in policy formulation and implementation.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
- Deep understanding of fisheries management, aquaculture development, and natural resource governance.
- High ethical standards, professional integrity, and commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
- A results-oriented approach with the ability to balance policy objectives with operational realities.
- Demonstrated ability to mobilize and manage resources efficiently to achieve institutional goals.
Reporting Relationship
The Director General will report directly to the Board of Directors of the Kenya Fisheries Service and will be accountable for providing strategic leadership, implementing Board resolutions, and ensuring effective management of the Service’s resources, personnel, and programs.
Terms of Service
This position will be offered on a three (3)-year renewable contract based on performance and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will receive a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and in accordance with government guidelines.
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications for the position as outlined below:
A duly completed Kenya Fisheries Service Application for Employment Form (version CEO:2022), which can be downloaded from the official KeFS website at www.kefs.go.ke, should be submitted together with a cover letter demonstrating relevant experience, competencies, and skills.
Applications should be addressed to:
The Chairman of the Board of Directors
Kenya Fisheries Service
P.O. Box 48511-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
and emailed to: [email protected]
or hand-delivered to:
Kenya Fisheries Service Headquarters,
SHA Building, 13th Floor, Ragati Road, Nairobi.
All applications must be received on or before 5th November 2025.
Important Notes to Applicants
- The Kenya Fisheries Service is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified Kenyan citizens.
- Applicants are required to attach only relevant supporting documents to their applications.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
- Shortlisted candidates must present original academic and professional certificates, as well as other testimonials during the interview.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
Contact and Additional Information
For more details regarding this position, applicants are advised to visit the Kenya Fisheries Service website at www.kefs.go.ke, where a detailed job indent and the official Application for Employment Form are available for download.
All correspondences and inquiries regarding this recruitment should be directed through the official communication channels of the Kenya Fisheries Service.
Dr. Samier Muravvej
Chairman, Board of Directors
Kenya Fisheries Service
This advertisement provides a comprehensive overview of the Director General position at the Kenya Fisheries Service, outlining the scope of responsibilities, expectations, and the formal process for application. Candidates who meet the outlined criteria and possess the leadership capacity to drive sustainable fisheries management and institutional excellence are encouraged to submit their applications before the stated deadline.
