Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) Job Vacancies

The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), a State Corporation established under the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Act No. 28 of 2013, invites applications from qualified, motivated, and visionary individuals to join its team in driving Kenya’s innovation agenda.

KeNIA’s mandate is to develop and manage the National Innovation System (NIS) — a framework that promotes, coordinates, and strengthens linkages among various innovation actors, including government, academia, industry, and society. The Agency plays a key role in promoting knowledge transfer, supporting startups, mobilizing innovation funding, and strengthening policy frameworks for sustainable socio-economic growth.

As part of its strategic plan implementation, the Agency seeks to recruit professionals who are passionate about innovation management, resource mobilization, communication, administration, ICT, and operational excellence. The appointments are on permanent terms, offering opportunities for long-term professional growth within a dynamic, forward-thinking environment.

Available Positions

1. Principal Innovation Officer – 6 Posts – Grade KeNIA 5 – Ref: KeNIA/1/2025
2. Principal Resource Mobilization Officer – 1 Post – Grade KeNIA 5 – Ref: KeNIA/2/2025
3. Senior Innovation Officers – 3 Posts – Grade KeNIA 6 – Ref: KeNIA/3/2025
4. Senior Office Administrator – 1 Post – Grade KeNIA 6 – Ref: KeNIA/7/2025
5. Human Resource Officer I – 1 Post – Grade KeNIA 7 – Ref: KeNIA/4/2025
6. Communication Officer II – 1 Post – Grade KeNIA 8 – Ref: KeNIA/5/2025
7. ICT Officer II – 1 Post – Grade KeNIA 8 – Ref: KeNIA/6/2025
8. Senior Driver (Re-advertisement) – 1 Post – Grade KeNIA 8 – Ref: KeNIA/8/2025

Terms of Service: All positions are Permanent.

1. Principal Innovation Officer – 6 Posts (KeNIA 5)

Overview
The Principal Innovation Officer will be responsible for promoting, managing, and coordinating national innovation activities. This includes the identification, incubation, and commercialization of innovative products and services in alignment with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Kenya Innovation Policy, and other relevant frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
• Coordinate national innovation programs, research translation initiatives, and technology transfer processes.
• Identify and support innovators and startups to scale their innovations.
• Facilitate linkages among academia, private sector, and government to promote collaborative innovation.
• Conduct research and prepare reports on innovation trends, performance, and impact.
• Support intellectual property management and commercialization of locally developed technologies.
• Monitor implementation of innovation programs funded or supported by KeNIA.
• Represent the Agency in local and international innovation forums.
• Mentor junior officers and provide technical guidance in program design and implementation.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of innovation systems, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and technology transfer.
• Excellent analytical and policy interpretation skills.
• Strategic planning and stakeholder management.
• Good communication, negotiation, and report-writing abilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead projects and deliver measurable outcomes.

2. Principal Resource Mobilization Officer – 1 Post (KeNIA 5)

Overview
This role focuses on developing and executing strategies for resource mobilization to fund KeNIA’s programs and initiatives. The officer will establish partnerships with development agencies, donors, private sector entities, and other stakeholders to secure financial and non-financial support for innovation development.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement KeNIA’s resource mobilization strategy.
• Identify funding opportunities, develop proposals, and coordinate donor relations.
• Build and maintain relationships with development partners, private sector investors, and government agencies.
• Support development of grant applications, budgets, and project documents.
• Monitor donor-funded project performance and ensure reporting compliance.
• Maintain databases of funding partners and track contribution commitments.
• Develop marketing materials and concept notes to support partnership building.
• Represent the Agency in resource mobilization forums and meetings.
• Prepare periodic reports on funding status, prospects, and outcomes.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent networking and negotiation skills.
• Strong proposal writing and grant management capabilities.
• Understanding of donor landscapes, corporate partnerships, and blended financing models.
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple funding relationships effectively.

3. Senior Innovation Officers – 3 Posts (KeNIA 6)

Overview
The Senior Innovation Officer will provide technical support in the design, coordination, and execution of innovation programs. The position supports knowledge transfer, incubation, and commercialization activities while engaging with key innovation actors across Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support implementation of national innovation policies and frameworks.
• Identify, evaluate, and support innovative ideas and technologies.
• Liaise with research institutions, universities, and innovators to enhance collaboration.
• Facilitate innovation challenges, exhibitions, and mentorship programs.
• Support monitoring and evaluation of innovation initiatives.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports, and documentation for innovation activities.
• Maintain databases of innovators, enterprises, and development partners.
• Assist in designing funding proposals and capacity-building programs.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems and program management.
• Analytical and research skills.
• Effective communication and report writing.
• Teamwork and stakeholder coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

4. Senior Office Administrator – 1 Post (KeNIA 6)

Overview
The Senior Office Administrator will oversee administrative operations, ensure office efficiency, and provide executive support to senior management. The position involves coordination of communication, logistics, and administrative support functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day administrative operations of the Agency.
• Provide secretarial and logistical support to senior officers.
• Maintain records, schedules, and correspondence for executive offices.
• Supervise administrative support staff.
• Coordinate internal communication and meetings.
• Manage procurement requests and office resource allocations.
• Support organization of corporate events and workshops.
• Ensure effective filing and information retrieval systems.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in office software applications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure.

5. Human Resource Officer I – 1 Post (KeNIA 7)

Overview
The Human Resource Officer will provide technical support in implementing HR policies, procedures, and programs aimed at enhancing staff performance and organizational culture.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement HR policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance appraisal processes.
• Maintain and update employee records and HR database.
• Facilitate staff training and development programs.
• Handle employee relations and grievance management.
• Prepare HR reports and documentation for management decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and public service regulations.
• Participate in HR audits and staff welfare initiatives.

Skills and Attributes

• Knowledge of modern HR practices and legal frameworks.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High ethical standards and confidentiality.

6. Communication Officer II – 1 Post (KeNIA 8)

Overview
The Communication Officer will support the development and implementation of communication strategies that enhance KeNIA’s visibility, reputation, and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing press releases, newsletters, and digital content.
• Manage KeNIA’s social media and website updates.
• Support event coordination, photography, and media coverage.
• Draft communication materials, including speeches, reports, and promotional content.
• Maintain media contact lists and support public relations activities.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare daily briefs.
• Support internal communication and branding initiatives.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent writing, editing, and media relations skills.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and content management systems.
• Creativity and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

7. ICT Officer II – 1 Post (KeNIA 8)

Overview
The ICT Officer will provide technical support in system administration, network management, and information security to ensure smooth ICT operations across the Agency.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot ICT infrastructure and systems.
• Install and configure software and hardware applications.
• Support user access management and data backup.
• Ensure cybersecurity and data protection compliance.
• Provide ICT support for virtual meetings, workshops, and online events.
• Assist in system updates and maintenance of ICT documentation.
• Monitor network performance and resolve technical issues.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong technical knowledge in ICT systems administration.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple ICT tasks concurrently.

8. Senior Driver (Re-Advertisement) – 1 Post (KeNIA 8)

Overview
The Senior Driver will be responsible for operating official vehicles, ensuring their maintenance, and supporting logistics for KeNIA’s daily operations and field assignments.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive and maintain official vehicles in good condition.
• Ensure adherence to traffic regulations and safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate vehicle logs and mileage records.
• Schedule and monitor routine vehicle servicing and repairs.
• Provide logistical support for field visits, workshops, and meetings.
• Ensure proper documentation of travel and fuel usage.
• Support courier services and office errands as assigned.

Skills and Attributes

• Valid driving license and clean driving record.
• Knowledge of road safety and defensive driving.
• Punctuality, reliability, and high integrity.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the KeNIA Careers Portal at https://kenia.go.ke/careers for detailed job descriptions and to submit applications.

Application Guidelines:

1. Access the KeNIA website and navigate to the Careers section.
2. Review detailed descriptions for each advertised position.
3. Complete the online application form and attach all required documents, including:
   • A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV);
   • Copies of academic and professional certificates;
   • National ID or Passport; and
   • Contact details of three professional referees.
4. Submit the online application before the closing date.

Deadline:
Applications close on 18th November 2025 at 1700 hours. Late submissions will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Important Notes

• The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) is an equal opportunity employer.
• People with disabilities, marginalized groups, and minorities are encouraged to apply.
• Canvassing or providing false information will lead to disqualification.
• The Agency does not charge any application fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

About KeNIA

The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) is mandated to promote innovation development, facilitate research commercialization, and coordinate national innovation actors. The Agency supports innovators through incubation, financing linkages, capacity building, and policy advocacy.

KeNIA works closely with universities, research institutions, private sector players, and government agencies to position Kenya as a regional hub for innovation-driven development. Its programs contribute directly to achieving Kenya Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Working at KeNIA provides an opportunity to influence national policy, engage with cutting-edge innovators, and contribute to Kenya’s growing innovation ecosystem. Employees enjoy a collaborative work environment that values creativity, integrity, and inclusivity.

The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) continues to strengthen Kenya’s innovation capacity by recruiting talented and forward-thinking professionals across various fields — innovation, resource mobilization, communication, ICT, human resource management, and operations.

This recruitment drive presents a unique opportunity for qualified candidates to play a role in fostering innovation-led economic transformation. Those passionate about advancing Kenya’s position as a leader in technology, research, and entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted online through https://kenia.go.ke/careers by 18th November 2025 at 1700 hours.