The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced fresh career opportunities for qualified Kenyan professionals under the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation.
The vacancies, published in the MyGov newspaper on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, are for positions at the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) Board. The recruitment is being overseen by a selection panel appointed in line with the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Act, Cap 511.
Vacancies at Kenya National Innovation Agency
According to the advertisement, KeNIA is seeking to recruit a Chairperson and four Board Members to provide strategic leadership and oversight in advancing Kenya’s national innovation ecosystem.
“Pursuant to the provisions of the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Act, Cap 511, and in accordance with the mandate of the Kenya National Innovation Agency to develop, coordinate and manage the national innovation system, the visionary selection panel, appointed for the purpose, invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced and visionary persons for consideration for appointment,” the notice read.
The selection panel chairperson, Shukri Baramadi, stated that the appointments are aimed at attracting individuals with strong professional backgrounds and integrity.
“The appointments seek to attract individuals of high integrity, demonstrated leadership, and proven expertise in fields relevant to science, technology, innovation, finance, governance, industry, or public administration, to provide strategic direction and oversight to the agency in advancing Kenya’s innovation ecosystem and national development priorities,” Baramadi explained.
Requirements for Chairperson and Board Members
For the Chairperson position, applicants must hold a doctorate degree from a university recognized in Kenya. They must also have at least 15 years of experience in leadership and management of public or private institutions, alongside demonstrated knowledge and experience in science, technology and innovation.
Additionally, candidates must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity and be persons of high moral character.
For the Board Member positions, applicants are required to hold at least a master’s degree from a recognized university. They must demonstrate expertise in science, technology and innovation and similarly comply with Chapter Six requirements.
Career development expert Simon Ingari advised applicants to present themselves professionally and strategically during the application process.
“You need to present yourself in a way that demonstrates both compliance and competence. Keep your CV professional, concise and impact-driven,” Ingari said.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are required to submit their applications online through the KeNIA careers section on the agency’s official recruitment portal.
“Interested and qualified persons must submit applications online through the KeNIA careers section,” the selection panel stated, adding that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The deadline for submission of applications is Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The recruitment comes amid renewed focus on strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem and positioning the country as a regional leader in science, research and technology-driven development. Successful candidates will play a critical role in shaping policies and strategic direction that support startups, research institutions and industrial innovation across the country.
With the application window now open, qualified professionals have an opportunity to contribute to Kenya’s science and innovation agenda under the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation.
