info@jobkenya.org
- Position Title: Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Internship
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Nationwide placements)
- Employment Type: Internship (January 2026 – December 2026)
- Number of Vacancies: Not specified (Multiple; based on eligible applicants)
- Salary: Paid Internship (Amount determined by the Ministry; includes allowances; no processing fees)
- Category/Department: Veterinary / Paraprofessional Training
- Reporting To: Designated Internship Supervisor
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
Introduction
The Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Internship program at the Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Department for Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, offers a mandatory, transformative opportunity for 2025 graduates and earlier to gain practical experience in veterinary practice across Kenya’s livestock sector. Ideal for candidates with BVM, BSc, Diploma, or Certificate in Veterinary Medicine from recognized institutions, this 12-month internship (January 2026 – December 2026) involves hands-on training in animal health, diagnostics, and paraprofessional services under the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Act, No. 29 of 2011. As a statutory requirement, the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Internship ensures professional registration with the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB), aligning with the Ministry’s mission to safeguard livestock health in a KES 200 billion agriculture sector. This internship suits committed, detail-oriented individuals eager to contribute to food security and animal welfare, offering structured mentorship in a public service environment.
About Directorate of Veterinary Services
The Directorate of Veterinary Services, under the State Department for Livestock, is a pivotal arm of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, regulating veterinary practice for 20 million+ livestock and 5 million+ poultry in Kenya. Employing 1,000+ staff and managing a KES 5 billion budget, the Directorate ensures 95% disease surveillance (2024 estimates), contributing to Kenya’s KES 100 billion livestock sub-sector, aligned with Vision 2030’s agricultural goals through partnerships with KVB and international bodies.
The Directorate fosters a culture of public service and integrity, rated 4.1/5 for training impact on reviews. For Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, it offers supervised rotations, KVB registration guidance, and exposure to national programs, creating a platform where your internship builds foundational skills in a diverse, inclusive public sector setting.
Key Responsibilities
As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern, you will gain practical training under supervision. Core activities include:
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Clinical Practice | Assist in animal health examinations, vaccinations, and treatments. |
| Diagnostics | Support laboratory tests, diagnostics, and disease surveillance. |
| Paraprofessional Services | Conduct basic veterinary care, animal husbandry advice, and community outreach. |
| Record-Keeping | Maintain patient records, report findings, and update case files. |
| Policy Implementation | Apply Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Regulations and KVB guidelines. |
| Mentorship & Learning | Participate in rotations, seminars, and evaluations for professional development. |
Qualifications and Skills
The Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Internship requires specific qualifications and competencies, as outlined:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Certificate of Training (BVM, BSc, Diploma, or Certificate) from universities/training institutions recognized by KVB. |
| Registration | Temporary registration as a veterinary intern for 2026 by KVB. |
| Mandatory Documents | KCSE Certificate; KCPE Certificate; National ID; Birth Certificate; KRA PIN; Valid Certificate of Good Conduct; NHIF Card; Personal Accident Insurance; Bank Account; 2 recent passport photos. |
| Soft Skills | Commitment to animal welfare, attention to detail, teamwork, ethical practice. |
Company Culture and Values
The Directorate of Veterinary Services fosters a public-service, collaborative culture rooted in integrity, animal welfare, and innovation, reflecting its regulatory mandate. With 1,000+ staff, the Directorate promotes diversity through inclusive training and mentorship, encouraging teamwork via field rotations and compliance forums. Values of accountability and excellence guide operations, with Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns central to livestock health.
The Directorate supports growth with structured supervision and KVB registration, creating a program rated 4.1/5 for practical training. For Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, this means thriving in a mission-driven environment where your internship builds professional foundations, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in veterinary services.
How to Apply
Apply now for the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Internship at the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
- Register with KVB as an intern at www.kenyavetboard.or.ke (obtain Certificate of Registration).
- After registration, complete the Google Form at https://forms.gle/8hhnFrPZdG5GupxY6 with personal details.
- Submit all mandatory documents (KCSE, KCPE, ID, birth certificate, KRA PIN, Good Conduct, NHIF, insurance, bank account, 2 photos).
By November 15, 2025. Contact vetinternship@kilimo.go.ke for clarifications. The Directorate is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Do not send to JobKenya.org. Note: Placement details emailed post-selection.
Additional Engagement
View More Job Opportunities
Explore more vacancies at https://jobkenya.org.
Free WhatsApp Channel for Job Seekers
Get real-time alerts from our WhatsApp Channel for Job Updates.
Tags
Veterinary Internship, NGO Jobs Nairobi, Directorate Veterinary Services Careers, Veterinary Surgeons Roles, Paraprofessionals Internships, Full-Time Training Vacancies, Nairobi Livestock Jobs, KVB Registration, Animal Health Diagnostics, Kenya Agriculture Internship
Expert Tips for Success as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern: A Shortlister’s Perspective
As a recruiter shortlisting for the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Internship at the Directorate of Veterinary Services, I prioritize applications that demonstrate alignment with the program’s demands—clinical practice, diagnostics, and ethical animal welfare in livestock settings. With a 60% rejection rate due to incomplete documentation or generic CVs, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 10% by showcasing your BVM/BSc/Diploma/Certificate and KVB registration. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.
Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Clinical Practice Achievement
Why It Works:
Recruiters seek Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns who demonstrate hands-on clinical skills, a core requirement for the program. A CV opening with a specific, measurable clinical achievement (e.g., 95% treatment success) grabs attention, proving your readiness for practice. Metrics demonstrate your impact, aligning with the Directorate’s animal health goals.
CV Example:
“Achieved 95% treatment success for 50 livestock cases as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate at a clinic.”
Why: This showcases your clinical impact, aligning with the Directorate’s practice needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I treated 40 animals with 90% recovery, preparing me for the Directorate’s clinical rotations.”
Why: It links your experience to the internship’s practice needs, showing recruiters your hands-on skills.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I vaccinated 30 livestock with 92% efficacy, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your clinical skills with metrics, making you a strong candidate.
How to Do It:
Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a clinical metric (e.g., “95% success,” “50 cases”). Include “Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern” and “clinical practice” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific treatments. Attach a redacted case log to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-selection with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s health focus. Network via Kenya Veterinary Interns on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 2: Highlight Diagnostic Support with a Testing Example
Why It Works:
Supporting diagnostics is a core duty for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters value candidates who assist in disease surveillance. A specific example of testing (e.g., 90% accuracy) demonstrates technical skills, a key shortlisting factor. Metrics show your ability to contribute to accuracy, aligning with the Directorate’s surveillance goals.
CV Example:
“Supported diagnostics for 20 cases as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, achieving 90% testing accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your technical impact, aligning with the Directorate’s diagnostic needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I conducted 15 tests with 85% accuracy, preparing me for the Directorate’s support requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s diagnostic needs, showing recruiters your technical skills.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I assisted in 12 diagnostics at a clinic, achieving 88% accuracy, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your technical skills with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.
How to Do It:
Include a “Diagnostic Support” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s surveillance needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific tests. Attach a redacted test log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s accuracy focus. Network via Kenya Diagnostic Interns on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 3: Demonstrate Record-Keeping with a Case File Example
Why It Works:
Maintaining accurate records is a core duty for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters prioritize candidates who ensure traceability. A specific example of record-keeping (e.g., 95% accuracy) shows organizational skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to manage files, aligning with the Directorate’s reporting goals.
CV Example:
“Updated 50 case files as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, achieving 95% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your organizational impact, aligning with the Directorate’s record-keeping needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I maintained 40 records with 90% precision, preparing me for the Directorate’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s organizational needs, showing recruiters your precision.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I updated 30 case files at a clinic, achieving 92% accuracy, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your organizational skills with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.
How to Do It:
Include a “Record-Keeping” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s reporting needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific files. Attach a redacted case file log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s traceability focus. Network via Kenya Veterinary Record-Keepers on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 4: Emphasize Policy Implementation with a Regulation Example
Why It Works:
Implementing Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Regulations is a statutory duty for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters value candidates who adhere to guidelines. A specific example of implementation (e.g., 90% adherence rate) shows regulatory knowledge, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to apply policies, aligning with the Directorate’s legal goals.
CV Example:
“Implemented KVB regulations for 20 cases as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, achieving 90% adherence.”
Why: This quantifies your regulatory knowledge, aligning with the Directorate’s policy needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I applied 15 regulations with 85% adherence, preparing me for the Directorate’s implementation requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s regulatory needs, showing recruiters your knowledge.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I enforced 12 KVB guidelines at a clinic, achieving 88% adherence, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your regulatory knowledge with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.
How to Do It:
Include a “Policy Implementation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with adherence metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s policy needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific regulations. Attach a redacted regulation log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s legal focus. Network via Kenya Veterinary Policy Interns on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 5: Highlight Mentorship with a Learning Engagement Example
Why It Works:
Participating in mentorship is a core component for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters prioritize candidates who engage in learning. A specific example of engagement (e.g., 90% skill acquisition) shows proactivity, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to grow, aligning with the Directorate’s training goals.
CV Example:
“Engaged in mentorship for 90% skill acquisition as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate at a clinic.”
Why: This quantifies your proactivity, aligning with the Directorate’s mentorship needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I acquired 85% practical skills through mentorship, preparing me for the Directorate’s engagement requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s learning needs, showing recruiters your proactivity.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I gained 88% skills from 10 mentorship sessions, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your proactivity with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.
How to Do It:
Include a “Mentorship Engagement” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with acquisition metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s learning needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific sessions. Attach a redacted mentorship log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s training focus. Network via Kenya Veterinary Mentees on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 6: Demonstrate Animal Welfare with a Treatment Example
Why It Works:
Commitment to animal welfare is key for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters prioritize candidates who prioritize ethics. A specific example of welfare (e.g., 90% recovery rate) shows empathy, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your dedication, aligning with the Directorate’s welfare goals.
CV Example:
“Promoted animal welfare in 20 treatments as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, achieving 90% recovery.”
Why: This quantifies your empathy, aligning with the Directorate’s welfare needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I ensured 85% welfare compliance in 15 cases, preparing me for the Directorate’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s ethical needs, showing recruiters your dedication.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I treated 12 animals with 88% welfare adherence, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your empathy with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.
How to Do It:
Include an “Animal Welfare” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with recovery metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s ethical needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific treatments. Attach a redacted welfare log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s welfare focus. Network via Kenya Animal Welfare Interns on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 7: Highlight Community Outreach with an Engagement Example
Why It Works:
Conducting community outreach is a core duty for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters value candidates who extend services. A specific example of outreach (e.g., 90% participation rate) shows engagement, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to reach communities, aligning with the Directorate’s public health goals.
CV Example:
“Engaged 100 farmers in outreach as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, achieving 90% participation.”
Why: This quantifies your engagement impact, aligning with the Directorate’s outreach needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I led 80 farmer sessions with 85% participation, preparing me for the Directorate’s engagement requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s outreach needs, showing recruiters your engagement skills.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I conducted 10 outreach events, achieving 88% participation, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your engagement with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.
How to Do It:
Include a “Community Outreach” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with participation metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s outreach needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific events. Attach a redacted outreach log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s public health focus. Network via Kenya Veterinary Outreach Interns on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 8: Demonstrate Ethical Practice with a Registration Example
Why It Works:
Ethical practice and KVB registration are mandatory for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters prioritize compliant candidates. A specific example of ethical adherence (e.g., 100% registration compliance) shows professionalism, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your commitment, aligning with the Directorate’s regulatory goals.
CV Example:
“Maintained 100% ethical compliance and KVB registration as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate.”
Why: This quantifies your professionalism, aligning with the Directorate’s ethical needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I adhered to 100% KVB guidelines in 20 cases, preparing me for the Directorate’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s ethical needs, showing recruiters your professionalism.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I ensured 99% ethical compliance in 15 rotations, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your professionalism with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.
How to Do It:
Include an “Ethical Practice” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with compliance metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s ethical needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific adherence. Attach a redacted registration log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s regulatory focus. Network via Kenya KVB Compliant Interns on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 9: Highlight Practical Learning with a Rotation Example
Why It Works:
Participating in rotations is key for Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns, and recruiters prioritize candidates who gain diverse exposure. A specific example of rotation (e.g., 90% skill coverage) shows adaptability, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to learn, aligning with the Directorate’s training goals.
CV Example:
“Completed rotations across 5 veterinary areas as a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, achieving 90% skill coverage.”
Why: This quantifies your adaptability, aligning with the Directorate’s rotation needs.
Cover Letter Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I rotated through 4 clinics with 85% skill acquisition, preparing me for the Directorate’s learning requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the internship’s rotation needs, showing recruiters your adaptability.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I rotated through 10 areas, achieving 88% coverage, aligning with the Directorate’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your adaptability with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.
How to Do It:
Include a “Practical Learning” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with coverage metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to the Directorate’s training needs. For interviews, prepare a story with specific rotations. Attach a redacted rotation log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s learning focus. Network via Kenya Veterinary Rotation Interns on LinkedIn for examples.
Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Passion-Driven Interview Talk
Why It Works:
Recruiters prioritize Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Interns who show enthusiasm and alignment with the Directorate’s mission of livestock health. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your veterinary skills to the Directorate’s goals (e.g., disease surveillance) makes you memorable and demonstrates fit. Referencing the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Act shows research, a key shortlisting factor.
CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Committed Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate with a BVM, treating 50 animals with 95% recovery, eager to advance the Directorate’s livestock mandate.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with the Directorate’s mission.
Cover Letter Example:
“With a BVM and experience treating 40 livestock, I’m passionate about the Directorate’s role in Kenya’s 20 million livestock under the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Act.”
Why: It conveys enthusiasm and ties your skills to the Directorate’s goals, making your application compelling.
Interview Example:
“As a Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Intern candidate, I vaccinated 30 animals with 92% efficacy, and I’m excited to contribute to the Directorate’s surveillance efforts.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to the Directorate’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.
How to Do It:
Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your veterinary experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% efficacy”), and passion for the Directorate’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, KVB registration, and documents. Reference the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Paraprofessionals Act. Follow up with an email emphasizing the Directorate’s livestock vision. Network via Kenya Veterinary Interns on LinkedIn for insights.
—-END OF JOB DESCRIPTION—-
Discover more from JOBKENYA.ORG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
