The public veterinary services sector in Kenya continues to play a critical role in safeguarding livestock health, ensuring food safety, and supporting the agricultural economy. In line with its mandate to enhance animal health systems and strengthen veterinary public health standards, a government institution is seeking to recruit ten (10) Animal Health Assistants under Job Group “G”.
These positions are based in Nairobi and form part of a broader initiative to reinforce frontline veterinary services at sub-county and county levels. The roles are structured to support disease surveillance, meat inspection, animal treatment, and compliance with regulatory standards governing animal health and food safety.
The Animal Health Assistant role is a technical, field-oriented position that requires practical engagement with livestock, slaughterhouse operations, and veterinary public health enforcement. The position is suitable for individuals with hands-on training in animal health and production who are seeking to contribute to Kenya’s livestock value chain while advancing public health outcomes.
This recruitment is conducted under permanent and pensionable terms, offering long-term career progression within the public service framework. Successful candidates will be deployed in operational environments that demand both technical proficiency and adherence to regulatory standards.
Position Overview
Job Title: Animal Health Assistant
Job Group: G
Number of Positions: 10
Location: Nairobi
Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable
Salary Range: KES 24,700 – 32,600 per month
House Allowance: KES 6,750 per month
Commuter Allowance: KES 4,000 per month
The Animal Health Assistant operates within the veterinary services structure and is primarily responsible for supporting animal health interventions and enforcing veterinary public health regulations. The role is positioned at the paraprofessional level and serves as an entry point for individuals trained in animal health disciplines.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the Animal Health Assistant position is to support the delivery of animal health services and veterinary public health functions at the operational level. This includes participating in disease control programs, conducting basic animal treatment procedures, supporting meat inspection processes, and ensuring compliance with slaughterhouse hygiene and meat transportation regulations.
The role contributes directly to safeguarding public health by ensuring that animal-derived food products meet established safety standards. Additionally, the position supports livestock productivity by assisting in preventive and curative animal health interventions.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Operational Responsibilities
The Animal Health Assistant is tasked with a range of field-based and technical duties that support both animal health and public health objectives. These responsibilities require a combination of practical skills, regulatory awareness, and the ability to work in diverse environments including farms, slaughterhouses, and inspection points.
Animal Treatment and Health Management
The role involves carrying out simple treatment procedures on animals under established veterinary guidelines. This includes administering basic medications and providing frontline support in managing common livestock ailments. The officer is expected to work closely with veterinary officers and other technical staff to ensure that treatment protocols are followed correctly.
Disease Surveillance and Reporting
The position requires active participation in disease search, surveillance, and reporting activities. The officer will be involved in identifying signs of disease outbreaks, collecting relevant data, and reporting findings through established channels. This function is critical in early detection and containment of livestock diseases, including zoonotic diseases that pose risks to human health.
Demonstration of Livestock Management Practices
The Animal Health Assistant is responsible for demonstrating proper livestock management techniques to farmers and stakeholders. This includes training on milking hygiene, parasite control methods such as dipping, spraying, and dusting, and general animal husbandry practices. These demonstrations are aimed at improving livestock productivity and reducing disease incidence.
Vaccination and Preventive Procedures
The role includes carrying out vaccination programs and other preventive procedures. These procedures include closed castration, dehorning, deworming, disbudding, docking, debeaking, and hoof trimming. The officer must ensure that these procedures are conducted safely, humanely, and in accordance with veterinary standards.
Meat Inspection and Grading
A key component of the role is conducting meat inspection and grading at slaughterhouses. The officer is responsible for ensuring that meat products meet safety and quality standards before being released for consumption. This includes identifying contaminated or diseased meat and taking appropriate action.
Slaughterhouse Operations and Record Keeping
The Animal Health Assistant is required to maintain accurate records of daily animal slaughter activities. This includes documenting the number of animals slaughtered, inspection outcomes, and any incidents of condemnation. Proper record keeping supports traceability and regulatory compliance.
Issuance of Certificates and Permits
The role involves issuing certificates of transport for livestock and meat products. Additionally, the officer is responsible for issuing movement permits and meat condemnation notices where necessary. These functions are critical in regulating the movement of animal products and preventing the spread of diseases.
Enforcement of Hygiene and Regulatory Standards
The officer is tasked with enforcing hygiene standards in slaughterhouses and ensuring compliance with meat transportation regulations. This includes inspecting facilities, monitoring sanitation practices, and taking corrective action where standards are not met.
Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities
The position does not carry direct managerial or supervisory responsibilities. However, the role requires a high degree of accountability and the ability to work independently within assigned operational areas.
Job Requirements
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must possess a certificate lasting not less than two (2) years in any of the following disciplines:
Animal Health
Animal Health and Production
The qualification must be obtained from a recognized institution.
Professional Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following professional requirements:
Registration and valid retention with the Kenya Veterinary Board
Certificate in Meat Inspection
Certificate in Computer Application Skills
These qualifications are essential for ensuring that the candidate is equipped with both technical and administrative competencies required for the role.
Experience
Previous relevant work experience is required. This experience should demonstrate practical exposure to animal health services, veterinary public health activities, or related field operations.
Functional Skills and Behavioral Competencies
The role requires a combination of technical skills and behavioral attributes that enable effective performance in field-based environments.
Communication Skills
The ability to communicate clearly with farmers, stakeholders, and colleagues is essential. The officer must be able to convey technical information in a manner that is easily understood.
Interpersonal Skills
The role involves regular interaction with diverse stakeholders, including livestock owners, traders, and regulatory authorities. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for building trust and facilitating cooperation.
Organizational Skills
The officer must be able to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and ensure that activities are carried out efficiently.
Negotiation Skills
The ability to negotiate and enforce compliance with regulations is important, particularly in situations involving non-compliance with veterinary standards.
Teamwork and Leadership
While the role is not supervisory, the officer is expected to contribute to cohesive team efforts and support collaborative initiatives in veterinary service delivery.
Problem-Solving Skills
The position requires the ability to identify challenges in the field and implement practical solutions within the scope of the role.
Compliance Requirements
All candidates must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity. This includes adherence to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in public service.
Job Dimensions
Financial Responsibility
The Animal Health Assistant is responsible for ensuring adherence to approved budgets in the execution of assigned duties. This includes the prudent use of resources allocated for field activities.
Responsibility for Physical Assets
The officer is accountable for the proper use and maintenance of office equipment, furniture, and any other assets assigned for operational purposes.
Decision-Making and Job Influence
The role involves operational decision-making related to day-to-day animal health and veterinary public health activities. The officer is expected to make informed decisions within established guidelines and escalate complex issues to supervisors.
Working Conditions
The position involves exposure to high-risk environments, including contact with animals that may carry zoonotic diseases. The officer will be required to handle potentially dangerous drugs and chemical substances as part of routine duties.
The role carries inherent risks, including the possibility of infections, injuries, and exposure to hazardous conditions. As such, the use of personal protective equipment is mandatory during field operations.
Despite the field-based nature of the role, the officer will also have access to standard office facilities, including workspace and communication tools necessary for administrative functions.
Career Context and Progression
The Animal Health Assistant position serves as an entry-level role within the veterinary services cadre. It provides a foundation for career progression in animal health, veterinary public health, and related disciplines within the public service.
The role offers practical experience in livestock health management, regulatory enforcement, and public health protection. Over time, officers may advance to higher job groups based on experience, additional qualifications, and performance.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to submit their applications before the deadline of 22 March 2026. Applications should be prepared in accordance with public service recruitment guidelines and include all necessary documentation.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their credentials meet the specified requirements and that all information provided is accurate and verifiable.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.
