A public sector institution is inviting applications from qualified and competent individuals for the position of Animal Health Officer under Job Group ‘H’. This opportunity is offered on a permanent and pensionable basis and is aimed at strengthening animal health systems, disease surveillance, and livestock productivity at the sub-county level within Nairobi.
The role is positioned within the broader livestock and veterinary services framework, with a mandate to support animal health management, enforce regulatory compliance, and promote best practices in livestock production and disease control. The successful candidates will play a critical role in safeguarding animal welfare, ensuring food safety, and supporting public health through effective veterinary service delivery.
The recruitment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery within the agricultural and livestock sector, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings where livestock farming continues to play an important economic and food security role. The positions are suitable for individuals who are technically skilled, field-oriented, and capable of working in dynamic environments involving both office-based and field operations.
Position Overview
Job Title: Animal Health Officer
Job Group: H
Number of Positions: 4
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Permanent and Pensionable
Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
Remuneration and Benefits
The position offers a structured public service compensation package as follows:
- Basic Salary: KES 27,900 – KES 36,680 per month
- House Allowance: KES 6,750 per month
- Commuter Allowance: KES 4,000 per month
This remuneration is aligned with public service job group structures and includes standard government benefits applicable to permanent and pensionable employees.
Job Purpose
The Animal Health Officer will be responsible for coordinating disease and pest control services and overseeing animal health management at the sub-county level. The role focuses on implementing veterinary services, conducting disease surveillance, supporting livestock productivity, and ensuring compliance with animal health regulations.
The position requires a strong balance between technical veterinary knowledge, field operations, stakeholder coordination, and regulatory enforcement. The officer will work closely with farmers, veterinary stakeholders, local administrative units, and agricultural committees to promote sustainable livestock practices and ensure effective disease prevention and control mechanisms.
Detailed Job Description
Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities
This role does not carry direct supervisory responsibilities. However, it requires coordination with various stakeholders, including farmers, veterinary committees, and field officers, to ensure effective delivery of animal health services.
Operational Responsibilities and Tasks
The Animal Health Officer will undertake a wide range of operational duties, including but not limited to the following:
Reporting and Documentation
The officer will be responsible for preparing comprehensive weekly, monthly, and annual reports related to animal health activities at the sub-county level. These reports will include disease trends, vaccination coverage, inspection outcomes, and intervention strategies. Accurate documentation and timely reporting are essential for decision-making and policy implementation.
Disease Surveillance and Research Participation
The role involves active participation in disease surveillance and research activities. This includes conducting routine livestock inspections, identifying disease outbreaks, collecting samples, and supporting epidemiological studies. The officer will also contribute to data collection, analysis, and the preparation of technical reports that inform veterinary interventions and policy decisions.
Vaccination and Treatment Services
The officer will carry out vaccination programs and administer treatment to animals as part of disease prevention and control initiatives. This includes planning vaccination schedules, mobilizing farmers, and ensuring adherence to veterinary protocols. The role also involves responding to disease outbreaks and providing immediate treatment interventions.
Tick Control and Pest Management Training
A key responsibility of the role is to provide training on tick control and pest management activities. This will be done in consultation with relevant committees, including Dip Committees. The officer will educate farmers on effective pest control methods, proper use of acaricides, and integrated pest management strategies.
Livestock Movement Regulation Enforcement
The officer will enforce livestock movement regulations to prevent the spread of diseases across regions. This includes inspecting movement permits, ensuring compliance with quarantine regulations, and collaborating with enforcement agencies to monitor livestock transport activities.
Animal Identification and Data Management
The role includes facilitating animal identification processes and maintaining accurate records. This involves tagging, registration, and tracking of livestock, as well as maintaining databases that support traceability and disease control efforts.
Agricultural Shows and Demonstrations
The officer will participate in agricultural shows and animal health demonstrations aimed at educating farmers and promoting best practices. These events serve as platforms for knowledge dissemination and stakeholder engagement within the agricultural sector.
Farmer Training and Extension Services
The role requires conducting training sessions for farmers on livestock breeding, disease prevention, nutrition, and general animal husbandry practices. The officer will provide extension services that enhance farmer knowledge and improve livestock productivity.
Animal Welfare and Impoundment Management
The officer will oversee the care and welfare of impounded animals. This includes ensuring proper feeding, treatment, and humane handling of animals in holding facilities. The role also involves managing cases involving animals under legal action and ensuring compliance with welfare regulations.
Information Dissemination
The officer will disseminate relevant information on animal health, disease control, and welfare to stakeholders, including farmers, local authorities, and the general public. This includes sharing updates on disease outbreaks, vaccination campaigns, and regulatory requirements.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including veterinary professionals, agricultural officers, local government units, and community groups. Effective coordination is essential for delivering integrated animal health and welfare services.
Job Requirements
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must possess a Diploma in one of the following disciplines from a recognized institution:
- Animal Health
- Animal Health and Production
- Environmental Health
- Animal Husbandry
These qualifications provide the foundational knowledge required for effective performance in veterinary service delivery and livestock management.
Professional Qualifications and Certifications
- Registration and retention by the Kenya Veterinary Board
- Certificate in Computer Application Skills
These certifications are mandatory and demonstrate professional competence and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Work Experience
Applicants must have relevant work experience in animal health, livestock management, or related fields. Experience in field-based veterinary services, disease control programs, or agricultural extension services will be considered advantageous.
Functional Skills and Competencies
The role requires a combination of technical, interpersonal, and organizational competencies, including:
Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, colleagues, and regulatory bodies. This includes both verbal and written communication for reporting and training purposes.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships with stakeholders, facilitating training sessions, and resolving conflicts in field operations.
Organizational Skills
The officer must demonstrate the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple activities efficiently, including vaccination campaigns, inspections, and reporting tasks.
Negotiation Skills
The role requires negotiation skills to engage with stakeholders, enforce regulations, and achieve compliance in livestock management practices.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
The ability to build and work within cohesive teams is critical, especially when coordinating with other officers and stakeholders in field operations.
Problem-Solving Skills
The officer must be able to identify challenges, analyze situations, and implement practical solutions in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable field environments.
Compliance Requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity. This includes providing relevant documentation to demonstrate compliance with ethical and integrity standards as required for public service positions.
Job Dimensions
Financial Responsibility
The officer will ensure adherence to approved budgets within the assigned section. This includes responsible utilization of resources allocated for veterinary services and field operations.
Responsibility for Physical Assets
The role involves accountability for:
- Office equipment and furniture
- Any other assets allocated for operational use
Proper maintenance and utilization of these assets are required to support service delivery.
Decision-Making and Job Influence
The position involves making operational decisions related to day-to-day activities within the animal health section. This includes planning field activities, responding to disease outbreaks, and implementing veterinary programs.
Working Conditions
The role is primarily based in a standard office environment with access to essential facilities, including workspace and communication tools. However, a significant portion of the work involves field operations.
Exposure and Risk Factors
The officer will be exposed to various occupational risks, including:
- Zoonotic diseases and disease vectors
- Use of potentially hazardous drugs and chemical substances
- Risk of injuries such as cuts, bruises, and strains
- Potential exposure to major accidents in field settings
To mitigate these risks, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory during fieldwork and supervisory activities.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications before the specified deadline. All applications must be completed in accordance with the outlined requirements.
