A public sector career opportunity is open for one qualified and experienced veterinary professional to serve as County Director of Veterinary Services in Nairobi. The position is offered on Permanent and Pensionable terms under Job Group “R”. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing, coordinating and implementing veterinary services programmes and projects within the county.
The role is suitable for a senior veterinary professional with strong technical, managerial and administrative capacity. The office holder will provide leadership in animal health, animal control, veterinary public health, leather development, stakeholder coordination, resource management, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
- County Director of Veterinary Services
No. of Positions: 1
Job Group: R
Contract Type: Permanent and Pensionable
Location: Nairobi
Salary Range: KES 129,300 – KES 180,110
House Allowance: KES 50,000
Commuter Allowance: KES 16,000
Application Deadline: 23 May 2026
Job Purpose
The County Director of Veterinary Services will be responsible for directing, coordinating and implementing veterinary services programmes and projects within the county. The position plays a key role in strengthening animal health systems, supporting veterinary public health, promoting animal control services and ensuring effective delivery of veterinary-related programmes across Nairobi.
The officer will also provide leadership in the implementation of policies, management of resources, supervision of staff, coordination of field services and preparation of reports required for effective planning and performance management.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities
The County Director of Veterinary Services will be expected to:
- Direct animal health, animal control and veterinary public health services in the county.
- Coordinate the implementation of animal health, animal control, veterinary public health and leather development policies in the county.
- Manage the human resource capacity development of the County Directorate of Veterinary Services.
- Manage fiscal resources allocated to the directorate.
- Provide and improve administrative services within the directorate.
- Supervise and manage staff, programmes and administrative functions of the directorate.
- Oversee staff performance appraisal processes within the directorate.
Operational Responsibilities and Tasks
The officer will also be responsible for:
- Promoting collaboration and stakeholder participation in animal health, animal control, veterinary public health and leather development service delivery.
- Coordinating veterinary research liaison and training programmes in the county.
- Coordinating implementation of work plans and budgets for veterinary services in the directorate.
- Ensuring compilation of periodic reports and preparation of performance contracts for the directorate.
- Providing technical guidance in all aspects of animal health, animal control, veterinary public health and leather development.
- Coordinating veterinary services technical forums, workshops and seminars.
- Providing and improving administrative links between the county headquarters and field services.
- Supporting disease reporting between county headquarters and the National Directorate of Veterinary Services as required by World Organization for Animal Health standards.
- Participating in monitoring and evaluation of animal health, animal control, veterinary public health and leather development projects and programmes.
Financial Responsibility
The County Director of Veterinary Services will have financial responsibilities that include:
- Preparing the budget and work plan of the department.
- Ensuring adherence to approved budgets.
Responsibility for Physical Assets
The officer will be responsible for the safe and proper use of physical assets, including:
- Office equipment and furniture such as computers, printers and photocopiers.
- Safe custody of the section’s assets.
Decision Making and Job Influence
The position involves strategic, managerial, financial and operational decisions. The office holder will influence the direction and performance of veterinary services within the county through planning, supervision, coordination, technical guidance and resource management.
Working Conditions
The job holder will normally work in an office environment with standard office facilities, including access to a desk, telephone and other office equipment.
However, the role also carries high field-related exposure. The officer may be exposed to zoonotic diseases and vectors in the line of duty. The work may also involve the use of potentially dangerous drugs and chemical substances during official assignments. Field supervisory work may carry risks such as infections, cuts, bruises, strains and other major accidents. The officer will therefore be required to use personal protective equipment during supervisory work on field veterinary services. The role also involves risk allowance.
Job Requirements
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- Master of Science Degree in any of the following disciplines from a recognized institution:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Surgery
- Veterinary Public Health
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology
- Applied Veterinary Parasitology
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Medicines (BVM) from a recognized institution.
Professional Qualifications and Membership to Professional Bodies
Applicants must have:
- Registration and retention by the Kenya Veterinary Board.
- Certificate in Senior Management Course lasting not less than four weeks from a recognized institution; or
- Any other Management Course from a recognized institution.
- Demonstrated high degree of professional and technical competence and administrative capabilities as reflected in work performance and results.
Previous Relevant Work Experience
Applicants must have served for a minimum period of ten years, three of which must have been in a senior position within the Public Service or Private Sector.
Functional Skills, Behavioural Competencies and Attributes
Applicants should demonstrate the following:
- Leadership skills.
- Communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Negotiation skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.
Application Deadline
Applications should be submitted on or before 23 May 2026.
