Background

The Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute (KESERTI) is a newly established statutory body created under the Sugar Act No. 11 of 2024. Its primary mandate is to advance research, innovation, and training in Kenya’s sugar industry, thereby supporting the sector’s transformation and sustainability.

Job purpose:

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible to the Board for the day-to-day management and administration of all the activities of the Institute. He/She will be the Head of the Secretariat, Secretary and Chief Advisor to the Board.

Job Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer will entail:

• Carrying out the day-to-day business of the Institute;
• Spearheading formulation, implementation and review of the Institute’s policies, strategies, guidelines, procedures, standards, projects and programmes;
• Exercising the roles of Accounting and Authorized officer;
• Providing technical advice to the Cabinet Secretary on matters pertaining to Sugar Research in the area of jurisdiction;
• Promoting the corporate image, ethical standards and good governance;
• Ensuring Institute’s compliance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and other relevant legislation;
• Putting in place sound strategies to ensure prudent utilization of the Institute’s assets and resources;
• Ensuring preparation and implementation of annual work plans, budgets, business plans, procurement plans, performance contracts and reports.
• Implementing Board’s decisions in a result oriented and timely manner to achieve the Institute’s goals, strategic objectives and agreed performance targets.
• Establishing proper internal controls and monitoring procedures;
• Ensuring that there is effective communication between the management and the Board as well as between different levels of management;
• Acting as the principal spokesperson of the Institute;
• Managing internal multidisciplinary teams to ensure set objectives are met;
• Coordinating resource mobilization to enhance realization of the strategic objectives;
• Developing networks and partnerships with development partners and spearhead donor collaboration, fundraising and project development within the Institute’s area of jurisdiction;
• Ensuring compliance with any Government policies and regulatory guidelines and directives.

Person Specifications

For appointment to the position of Chief Executive Officer, a candidate must:-

• Hold a doctorate degree in agricultural studies, agronomy plant genetics andbreeding, soil science or a related field from a university recognized in Kenya;
• Have at least ten years’ knowledge and experience from a relevant field;
• Have at least five years’ experience in a position of senior management; and
• Meet the provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

• Carrying out the day-to-day business of the Institute;
• Spearheading formulation, implementation and review of the Institute’s policies, strategies, guidelines, procedures, standards, projects and programmes;
• Exercising the roles of Accounting and Authorized officer;
• Providing technical advice to the Cabinet Secretary on matters pertaining to Sugar Research in the area of jurisdiction;
• Promoting the corporate image, ethical standards and good governance;
• Ensuring Institute’s compliance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and other relevant legislation;
• Putting in place sound strategies to ensure prudent utilization of the Institute’s assets and resources;
• Ensuring preparation and implementation of annual work plans, budgets, business plans, procurement plans, performance contracts and reports.
• Implementing Board’s decisions in a result oriented and timely manner to achieve the Institute’s goals, strategic objectives and agreed performance targets.
• Establishing proper internal controls and monitoring procedures;
• Ensuring that there is effective communication between the management and the Board as well as between different levels of management;
• Acting as the principal spokesperson of the Institute;
• Managing internal multidisciplinary teams to ensure set objectives are met;
• Coordinating resource mobilization to enhance realization of the strategic objectives;
• Developing networks and partnerships with development partners and spearhead donor collaboration, fundraising and project development within the Institute’s area of jurisdiction;
• Ensuring compliance with any Government policies and regulatory guidelines and directives.

• Hold a doctorate degree in agricultural studies, agronomy plant genetics andbreeding, soil science or a related field from a university recognized in Kenya;
• Have at least ten years’ knowledge and experience from a relevant field;
• Have at least five years’ experience in a position of senior management; and
• Meet the provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution.