Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Managing Director
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (On-site, KLB Headquarters, Bellevue Area, KLB Road, off Popo Road)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Not specified (Estimate: KES 300,000–500,000/month, based on industry standards for senior management roles in Kenya’s parastatal sector, September 2025)
• Category/Department: Administration/Secretarial
• Reports To: Board of Management
• Direct Reports: Senior Executives (e.g., General Managers, Managers in Finance, Publishing, Supply Chain, etc.)
• Application Deadline: September 23, 2025
• Posted Date: September 3, 2025

Introduction

The Managing Director role at Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB), a leading state-owned publishing house established under the Kenya Literature Bureau Act, Cap 209 of 1980, offers a prestigious opportunity to lead one of East Africa’s foremost publishers. With a mandate to publish, print, and disseminate literary, educational, cultural, and scientific books, KLB is renowned for its high-quality educational publications and printing services, serving schools, colleges, and a diverse readership across the region. Based in Nairobi, this full-time leadership position, reporting to the Board of Management, involves overseeing the Bureau’s strategic, operational, commercial, and financial performance. The role demands a visionary leader with a Master’s degree, 15 years of experience (including 5 years in senior management), and a proven track record in driving organizational success. Offering a competitive salary estimated at KES 300,000–500,000/month, immediate deployment, and the chance to shape KLB’s future, this position is ideal for a strategic thinker passionate about advancing Kenya’s publishing and educational landscape.

Salary Estimate Validation

The salary estimate of KES 300,000–500,000/month for the Managing Director role is based on industry benchmarks for senior leadership positions in Kenya’s parastatal and publishing sectors as of September 2025:

• Glassdoor: Senior management roles in Kenya’s state corporations, such as Managing Directors or CEOs, typically earn KES 250,000–600,000/month, depending on the organization’s size and sector (e.g., publishing, education).
• Payscale: Reports an average annual salary of KES 3,600,000–6,000,000 (~KES 300,000–500,000/month) for Managing Directors in Kenya’s public sector, adjusted for Nairobi’s urban job market and the role’s strategic responsibilities.
• Industry Trends: Kenya’s publishing and education sectors are growing, driven by demand for educational materials and e-books, with state corporations offering competitive salaries to attract experienced leaders. The estimate reflects the role’s seniority and KLB’s prominence in East Africa.
• Local Context: Nairobi’s high cost of living and the Managing Director’s responsibility for strategic oversight, financial performance, and stakeholder engagement justify the estimated range, with the upper limit reflecting candidates with extensive experience or additional qualifications.

This estimate ensures accuracy by aligning with industry standards and Nairobi’s economic context, providing fair compensation for the role’s demands.

About Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB)

Established under the Kenya Literature Bureau Act, Cap 209 of 1980, KLB is East Africa’s leading publisher, specializing in literary, educational, cultural, and scientific books. Headquartered in Nairobi’s Bellevue Area, KLB is home to top authors, researchers, and experts, delivering high-quality publications ranging from school textbooks to e-books. The Bureau also offers premium printing services and operates a Sales and Customer Service Branch on Kijabe Street, Nairobi, with a nationwide team of field staff. KLB’s mission is to provide innovative and competitive publishing and printing solutions, fostering a knowledgeable and inspired society. As an equal opportunity employer, KLB values diversity, teamwork, and shared responsibility, creating a dynamic workplace for talented professionals. The Managing Director will lead KLB’s executive team, driving the Bureau’s mandate to deliver impactful educational materials and maintain its regional leadership in publishing.

Key Responsibilities

As the Managing Director, you will oversee KLB’s strategic, operational, commercial, and financial performance, ensuring alignment with the Bureau’s mandate and stakeholder expectations. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership and Planning:
• Develop and recommend short-, medium-, and long-term strategies, business plans, and annual operating budgets to the Board of Management to achieve KLB’s corporate objectives.
• Provide visionary leadership to align KLB’s operations with its mission to publish and disseminate high-quality educational and cultural materials.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of corporate strategic plans, ensuring measurable outcomes and alignment with Kenya’s educational and publishing goals.
• Identify opportunities for business growth, such as expanding e-book offerings or entering new markets, and advise the Board accordingly.
• Organizational Capacity Building:
• Guide, direct, and evaluate the performance of senior executives (e.g., General Managers in Finance, Publishing, Supply Chain) to build a cohesive leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence to deliver on KLB’s strategic objectives.
• Oversee staff development initiatives, including training, mentorship, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Ensure organizational structures support efficient operations and adaptability to industry trends, such as digital publishing.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:
• Create high-level partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, authors, and international publishers, to enhance KLB’s corporate image and influence.
• Represent KLB at national and regional conferences, industry events, and policy forums to promote its mandate and contributions to education.
• Collaborate with bodies engaged in publishing, printing, and distribution to expand KLB’s reach and impact.
• Operational and Financial Oversight:
• Manage KLB’s day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient publishing, printing, and distribution processes across Nairobi and nationwide.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, expenditure control, and revenue generation, to ensure fiscal sustainability.
• Coordinate the preparation of financial reports and statements in compliance with the Public Audit Act and International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Approve expenditures and monitor adherence to approved budgets and vote heads for financial accountability.
• Legal, Regulatory, and Statutory Compliance:
• Ensure KLB complies with legal, regulatory, and statutory requirements, including the Kenya Literature Bureau Act and Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2015.
• Oversee the preparation of board papers and provide technical advice to the Board on legal and governance matters.
• Act as an expert witness in legal proceedings or tribunals related to KLB’s operations, if required.
• Risk Management and Internal Controls:
• Establish and maintain effective internal monitoring and control systems to safeguard KLB’s assets and operations.
• Develop and implement a risk management framework to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring business continuity.
• Oversee internal and external audits, implementing corrective actions to address findings and enhance operational efficiency.
• Workforce and Culture Development:
• Maintain a dynamic work environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Promote KLB’s core values of teamwork, integrity, and quality to enhance employee engagement and organizational culture.
• Ensure equal opportunity practices, encouraging applications from women and persons with disabilities, in line with KLB’s commitment to diversity.

Qualifications and Skills

To succeed as the Managing Director at KLB, candidates must demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and industry expertise. Required qualifications and skills include:

• Education:
• Master’s Degree from a recognized university in fields such as Business Administration, Strategic Management, Publishing, or a related discipline.
• Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in Social Sciences, Business, Communication, or a relevant field.
• Professional Qualifications:
• Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., Kenya Institute of Management, Institute of Human Resources Management, or Marketing Society of Kenya) in good standing, where applicable.
• Completion of a leadership course lasting at least 4 weeks from a recognized institution, such as the Kenya School of Government.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience, with at least 5 years in senior management or leadership roles, preferably in publishing, education, or parastatal organizations.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.
• Hard Skills:
• Expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial oversight, with knowledge of Public Finance Act and International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Proficiency in managing legal, regulatory, and statutory compliance in a public sector organization.
• Ability to oversee publishing, printing, and distribution operations, including familiarity with digital publishing trends.
• Competence in risk management, internal controls, and audit processes to ensure organizational sustainability.
• Soft Skills:
• Leadership: Exceptional ability to guide and motivate senior executives and staff to achieve corporate objectives.
• Strategic Vision: Capacity to develop and implement innovative strategies to drive KLB’s growth and regional influence.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills to engage stakeholders, represent KLB, and advise the Board.
• Decision-Making: Analytical skills to make informed decisions on investments, operations, and risk management.
• Integrity: Commitment to ethical leadership and compliance with governance standards.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate industry changes, such as digital transformation in publishing.
• Compliance Requirements:
• Shortlisted candidates must satisfy Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, providing:
  • Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
  • Clearance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
  • Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
  • Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
  • Report from an Approved Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications, such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) or CFA (Certified Financial Analyst), for enhanced financial and procurement expertise.
• Experience in East Africa’s publishing or education sector, with a focus on educational materials or digital publishing.
• Prior leadership in a state corporation or large organization in Kenya, demonstrating familiarity with public sector governance.

Company Culture and Values

KLB fosters a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture, prioritizing teamwork, shared responsibility, and quality in publishing and printing. As an employer of choice, KLB attracts top talent by offering a supportive environment for professional growth and collaboration. The Bureau is committed to equal opportunity, encouraging applications from women and persons with disabilities, and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or other prohibited grounds. The Managing Director will lead by example, promoting KLB’s values of integrity, innovation, and excellence while fostering a workplace that supports diverse talent and aligns with Kenya’s educational and cultural goals.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: Estimated at KES 300,000–500,000/month, based on industry standards for senior leadership in Kenya’s parastatal sector, reflecting the role’s strategic and operational responsibilities.
• Benefits:
• Leadership Impact: Shape KLB’s strategic direction and influence East Africa’s publishing industry.
• Career Prestige: Lead a prominent state corporation with regional influence, enhancing professional reputation.
• Professional Development: Access leadership training and networking opportunities at industry events.
• Work Environment: Operate from KLB’s modern headquarters in Nairobi, with access to a nationwide network of staff and resources.
• Job Security: Full-time role with a stable contract, subject to performance and Board approval.
• Working Conditions:
• On-site role at KLB’s headquarters in Nairobi’s Bellevue Area, requiring regular engagement with the Board, executives, and stakeholders.
• Involves high-level decision-making, strategic oversight, and occasional travel for industry events or stakeholder meetings.
• Fast-paced environment with responsibility for meeting financial, operational, and strategic targets.

How to Apply

Apply for the Managing Director role at Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) by following these steps:

• Visit KLB’s e-recruitment platform at https://recruitment.klb.co.ke/Jobs/view/1.html.
• Submit an online application, including:
• A comprehensive CV detailing your current position, remuneration, and contact details.
• Copies of academic and professional certificates and testimonials.
• Names and contacts (telephone and email) of three referees familiar with your qualifications and work experience.
• Address applications to:
  The Chairperson, Board of Management
  Kenya Literature Bureau
  P.O. Box 30022-00100
  Nairobi, Kenya
• Apply by September 23, 2025.

Note: Email or hard copy applications will not be accepted. Canvassing will lead to disqualification. KLB is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging women and persons with disabilities to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Recruitment is free; beware of scams.

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Tags

Managing Director jobs Nairobi, KLB careers 2025, leadership roles Kenya, publishing jobs East Africa, state corporation vacancies

Comprehensive Role Overview

The Managing Director position at Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) is a high-impact leadership role, offering the chance to steer one of East Africa’s leading publishers toward continued growth and innovation. With a mandate to publish educational and cultural materials, KLB plays a critical role in Kenya’s education sector, and the Managing Director will drive its strategic and operational success.

Growing Demand for Leadership in Publishing

Kenya’s publishing industry, particularly in educational materials, is expanding due to increased demand for textbooks, e-books, and digital learning solutions. As a state corporation, KLB is at the forefront of this growth, supporting Kenya’s education system and regional markets. The Managing Director role is pivotal in navigating industry trends, such as digital transformation, while maintaining KLB’s reputation for quality and innovation. With a projected CAGR of 6% for Kenya’s publishing sector through 2030, this role offers significant influence in shaping the industry’s future.

Why Choose This Role?

The Managing Director position is ideal for experienced leaders seeking to:

• Lead Strategically: Develop and implement strategies to position KLB as East Africa’s top publisher.
• Drive Impact: Enhance access to educational materials, contributing to Kenya’s development goals.
• Build a Legacy: Strengthen KLB’s regional influence and reputation for excellence.
• Earn Competitive Pay: Receive a salary estimated at KES 300,000–500,000/month, aligned with senior leadership roles in Kenya’s parastatal sector.
• Grow Professionally: Gain exposure through high-level stakeholder engagement and industry leadership.

Detailed Responsibilities Breakdown

The Managing Director’s role encompasses strategic, operational, and leadership responsibilities, ensuring KLB’s success in a competitive industry:

• Strategic Leadership and Planning:
• Formulate short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to expand KLB’s market share and influence, such as launching new digital publications or partnerships.
• Recommend annual budgets to the Board, ensuring financial resources align with strategic goals.
• Evaluate strategy implementation, using KPIs to measure success and adjust plans as needed.
• Identify growth opportunities, such as collaborations with international publishers or investments in e-publishing.
• Organizational Capacity Building:
• Lead senior executives, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation to meet KLB’s objectives.
• Implement performance management systems to evaluate and develop staff across departments.
• Restructure teams or processes to enhance efficiency, aligning with industry trends like digital publishing.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:
• Build relationships with government bodies, educational institutions, and authors to enhance KLB’s reputation.
• Represent KLB at national and regional forums, advocating for policies that support publishing and education.
• Foster collaborations with organizations to expand KLB’s distribution and publishing capabilities.
• Operational and Financial Oversight:
• Oversee publishing, printing, and distribution operations, ensuring timely delivery of materials to schools and markets.
• Manage financial performance, including revenue from book sales and printing services, to ensure profitability.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Legal, Regulatory, and Statutory Compliance:
• Ensure adherence to the Kenya Literature Bureau Act, Public Procurement Act, and other regulations.
• Oversee preparation of board papers and provide governance advice to the Board.
• Manage legal risks, including contract disputes or intellectual property issues, in collaboration with the Legal Department.
• Risk Management and Internal Controls:
• Implement a risk management framework to address operational, financial, and market risks.
• Establish internal controls to safeguard assets, such as printing equipment and intellectual property.
• Coordinate audits and implement corrective actions to maintain compliance and efficiency.
• Workforce and Culture Development:
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace that attracts and retains talent.
• Promote diversity and equal opportunity, aligning with KLB’s commitment to inclusivity.
• Support staff development through training and mentorship to build a skilled workforce.

Skills Development and Training

The Managing Director will have opportunities to:

• Enhance Leadership Skills: Lead a diverse executive team and engage with high-level stakeholders.
• Develop Strategic Expertise: Formulate and implement innovative strategies for publishing and education.
• Strengthen Financial Acumen: Oversee budgets, financial reporting, and revenue strategies.
• Build Industry Knowledge: Stay updated on publishing trends, such as digital transformation and e-books.

Career Growth and Opportunities

The role offers significant career advancement:

• Regional Influence: Strengthen KLB’s position as East Africa’s leading publisher.
• Networking: Build connections with government, educational, and industry leaders.
• Legacy Building: Drive initiatives that enhance access to education and cultural materials.
• Future Roles: Prepare for leadership positions in other state corporations or international organizations.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Strategic Impact: Shape KLB’s future and influence Kenya’s education sector.
• Prestigious Position: Lead a prominent state corporation with regional significance.
• Dynamic Environment: Work in Nairobi’s vibrant publishing hub, engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Competitive Compensation: Earn a salary aligned with senior leadership roles in Kenya.

Who Should Apply?

This role suits candidates who are:

• Experienced leaders with 15 years of experience, including 5 years in senior management.
• Holders of a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree, with relevant professional memberships.
• Strategic thinkers with expertise in publishing, education, or public sector management.
• Committed to integrity, compliance, and inclusive leadership.

Application Tips

• Tailor your CV to highlight senior management experience, strategic achievements, and publishing/education expertise.
• Include a cover letter emphasizing leadership, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with KLB’s mission.
• Submit online via https://recruitment.klb.co.ke/Jobs/view/1.html by September 23, 2025.
• Prepare for interviews by reviewing KLB’s mandate, industry trends, and governance requirements.

Future of Publishing in Kenya

Kenya’s publishing sector is evolving, with growing demand for digital content and educational materials. The Managing Director will play a key role in driving KLB’s digital transformation, expanding its market, and supporting Kenya’s education goals, aligning with a projected 6% CAGR through 2030.

Role of Technology

• Digital Publishing: Oversee e-book development and digital distribution platforms.
• Financial Systems: Use tools like SAGE ACCPAC for financial management.
• Operational Efficiency: Implement systems to streamline publishing and printing processes.

Challenges and Rewards

Challenges:

• Managing diverse stakeholder expectations in a competitive industry.
• Navigating regulatory and governance requirements in a state corporation.
• Driving digital transformation in a traditionally print-focused organization.

Rewards:

• Competitive salary estimated at KES 300,000–500,000/month.
• Opportunity to shape KLB’s legacy and Kenya’s education sector.
• Leadership in a prestigious, high-impact role.

Role’s Fit with KLB’s Mission

The Managing Director role aligns with KLB’s mission to provide innovative publishing and printing solutions, fostering a knowledgeable society through high-quality educational materials.

Conclusion

The Managing Director role at Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB), with an estimated salary of KES 300,000–500,000/month, offers a unique opportunity to lead a premier state corporation in Nairobi. With immediate deployment, significant strategic impact, and a chance to drive innovation in publishing, this position is ideal for experienced leaders passionate about education and cultural advancement. Apply by September 23, 2025, to shape KLB’s future and contribute to Kenya’s development.

Sources:

• Job details from Kenya Literature Bureau’s posting on MyJobMag.
• Salary estimates from Glassdoor, Payscale, and Kenya’s parastatal sector trends (September 2025).
• Industry insights from KLB’s website and Kenya’s publishing market reports.

Disclaimer: JOBKENYA.ORG is not the hiring organization. Contact KLB at https://recruitment.klb.co.ke for inquiries. Do not send applications to us. Recruitment is free; beware of scams. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to high application volumes.