The State Department for Livestock Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has announced internship vacancies for veterinary surgeons and veterinary paraprofessionals scheduled to begin in January 2026.

According to a notice issued by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development, the internship targets individuals who graduated in 2025 or earlier from institutions recognized by the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB).

The programme is a statutory requirement under the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Act, No. 29 of 2011, which mandates graduates to undergo a supervised internship before full registration.

“This internship will be guided by the Internship Policy and Guidelines for the Public Service, the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Regulations of 2013, and the Kenya Veterinary Board Internship Guidelines,” the notice reads in part.

The deadline for submitting applications is November 14, 2025.

Eligibility and Mandatory Requirements

To qualify, applicants must have temporary registration as a veterinary intern for the year 2026, issued by the Kenya Veterinary Board.

Other mandatory documents include academic certificates (BVM, BSc, Diploma, or Certificate level), KCSE and KCPE certificates, KRA PIN, NHIF card, certificate of good conduct, and birth certificate.

Additionally, applicants must possess personal accident insurance cover, a bank account, and two passport-size photographs.

The notice also emphasizes the need for a valid certificate of good conduct, ensuring all applicants meet ethical and legal standards.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to first register with the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) through its official website, www.kenyavetboard.or.ke.

After obtaining the certificate of registration, applicants should proceed to fill in their details via an online Google form provided by the Directorate of Veterinary Services.

The form is accessible through the link: https://forms.gle/8hhnFpZdG5GupxY6.

Applicants will receive further communication via the personal email addresses they provide.

Strengthening Veterinary Practice in Kenya

The veterinary internship programme is designed to equip graduates with hands-on experience in animal health, disease control, and livestock management.

The Kenya Veterinary Board has consistently emphasized the importance of practical training to ensure competent veterinary service delivery across the country.

In a past statement, the KVB noted that the internship “bridges the gap between academic learning and field experience,” enabling new professionals to handle emerging challenges such as zoonotic diseases and food safety.

The internship also aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, which identifies livestock development as a key pillar for achieving economic growth and food security.

Through structured training and mentorship, the Directorate of Veterinary Services aims to enhance service delivery and strengthen the country’s animal health systems.

For clarifications, applicants have been advised to contact the Directorate of Veterinary Services via email at vetinternship@kilimo.go.ke.

The move is expected to provide hundreds of fresh veterinary graduates with valuable industry exposure and career growth opportunities as Kenya continues to modernize its livestock sector.