Kenya Dairy Board is a State Corporation established in 1958 under the Dairy Industry Act, Cap. 336 of the Laws of Kenya. The Board plays a critical role in the regulation, promotion, and development of the dairy industry in Kenya. Its mandate includes overseeing the improvement of dairy production, processing, marketing, and distribution, while ensuring that industry players comply with established standards and best practices. Through policy guidance, regulatory oversight, and stakeholder engagement, the Board contributes significantly to the sustainability, competitiveness, and growth of the dairy sector, which remains one of the key pillars of Kenya’s agricultural economy.
In line with its statutory mandate and strategic objectives, Kenya Dairy Board invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the position of Managing Director. This is a senior leadership role that carries overall responsibility for the management, administration, and strategic direction of the Board. The successful candidate will be expected to provide visionary leadership, ensure effective implementation of policies, and guide the organization towards achieving its mandate in a dynamic and evolving sector.
This vacancy presents an opportunity for an accomplished professional with strong leadership capabilities, sound judgment, and a deep appreciation of public sector governance to contribute to the growth and regulation of Kenya’s dairy industry. The Board seeks an individual who is innovative, results-oriented, and capable of building and sustaining high-performing teams while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
Position Title: Managing Director
Reference: KDB – 1
Reporting Structure
The Managing Director will report to the Board of Directors of Kenya Dairy Board. The position carries overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Board and for translating the Board’s strategic decisions into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
Purpose of the Role
The Managing Director serves as the chief executive officer of Kenya Dairy Board and is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure that the Board effectively fulfills its statutory mandate. The role involves coordinating regulatory functions, promoting industry development initiatives, overseeing organizational performance, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, policies, and governance frameworks. The Managing Director is also the principal accounting officer and the primary link between the Board, government stakeholders, industry players, development partners, and the public.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Managing Director will be responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to Kenya Dairy Board in accordance with the Dairy Industry Act and other applicable laws. This includes ensuring that the Board’s mandate of regulating, promoting, and developing the dairy industry is effectively executed in line with national agricultural and economic development priorities.
The role entails overseeing the formulation, implementation, and review of the Board’s strategic plans, policies, and programs. The Managing Director will guide the development of long-term and short-term plans that align with the Board’s objectives, while ensuring that performance targets are clearly defined, monitored, and achieved.
The Managing Director will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Board, ensuring that all departments and units function efficiently and effectively. This includes coordinating the work of senior management, providing leadership and direction to staff, and fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
A key responsibility of the role is to ensure effective regulation of the dairy industry. The Managing Director will oversee the implementation of regulatory frameworks, standards, and guidelines to ensure compliance by industry stakeholders. This includes licensing, inspection, quality assurance, and enforcement activities aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and promoting fair trade practices within the dairy sector.
The Managing Director will also play a central role in promoting the development and growth of the dairy industry. This involves initiating and supporting programs that enhance productivity, value addition, market access, and competitiveness of dairy products. The role requires close collaboration with farmers, processors, distributors, cooperatives, and other industry stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities and to develop practical solutions.
Financial management is a critical component of the position. The Managing Director will be responsible for overseeing the preparation and implementation of the Board’s budget, ensuring prudent use of resources, and maintaining sound financial controls. As the principal accounting officer, the Managing Director will ensure compliance with public finance management laws and regulations and will be accountable for the Board’s financial performance.
The role includes ensuring effective corporate governance practices within the organization. The Managing Director will support the Board of Directors by providing timely and accurate information, implementing Board resolutions, and advising on matters affecting the organization’s performance and compliance. The Managing Director will also ensure adherence to government policies, circulars, and guidelines applicable to State Corporations.
The Managing Director will represent Kenya Dairy Board in engagements with government ministries, regulatory agencies, development partners, industry associations, and other stakeholders. This includes participating in policy discussions, negotiations, and forums relevant to the dairy sector and advocating for policies and initiatives that support industry growth and sustainability.
Human resource management is another key responsibility of the role. The Managing Director will oversee recruitment, development, performance management, and retention of staff. This includes ensuring that the organization has the right skills and competencies to deliver on its mandate and that staff are motivated, trained, and supported to perform effectively.
The Managing Director will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya and the Leadership and Integrity Act. This includes upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of the Board’s operations.
Risk management and internal controls form an important part of the role. The Managing Director will ensure that appropriate systems and processes are in place to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may affect the Board’s operations, reputation, or financial sustainability. This includes overseeing internal audit functions and ensuring that audit findings and recommendations are addressed in a timely manner.
The role also involves overseeing communication and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure that the Board’s activities, policies, and decisions are effectively communicated to the public and industry stakeholders. The Managing Director will ensure that the Board maintains a positive public image and responds appropriately to emerging issues and concerns within the dairy sector.
Compliance and Integrity Requirements
Shortlisted candidates will be required to satisfy the provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya and the Leadership and Integrity Act. As part of the appointment process, candidates will be required to submit valid copies of the following compliance certificates:
A Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
A Clearance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board.
A Clearance Certificate from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
A Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
A Clearance Certificate from a registered Credit Reference Bureau.
These requirements are mandatory and are intended to ensure that the successful candidate meets the integrity and ethical standards expected of senior public officers.
Application Process
Interested candidates are advised to visit the Kenya Dairy Board website at www.kdb.go.ke for further details regarding the position and the application process. All applications must be submitted online via email.
Applications should be sent to [email protected] on or before midnight (East African Time) of 17th February 2026.
