Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats)
• Location: Laikipia County, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary Range: KES 50,000 – 80,000 Monthly (estimated based on industry standards)
• Category/Department: Agriculture / Animal Science / Livestock Management
• Reporting To: Farm Manager / Director of Operations
• Application Deadline: 30/09/2025
• Client: Confidential (Private Equity Livestock Farm)

Introduction

This Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia opportunity is one of the most exciting agricultural career openings available in Kenya today. Designed for professionals who are passionate about animal science, livestock breeding, and sustainable agriculture, the position offers a direct pathway to influence livestock productivity while building a long-term career in the agricultural sector.

As an Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia, you will take charge of overseeing the daily operations of a specialized breeding farm, coordinating teams, implementing modern farm management systems, and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare. This job vacancy is tailored for candidates who wish to advance their careers in livestock production while working in one of Kenya’s leading agricultural hubs.

With Kenya’s livestock industry contributing significantly to national GDP, this position provides the perfect opportunity to impact food security, community livelihoods, and genetic improvements in small ruminants. For individuals looking for a career opportunity in livestock farm management, this role is not just a job—it is a platform for professional growth, innovation, and agricultural leadership.

About the Employer

Our client is a confidential group of private equity investment entities operating a large-scale livestock breeding farm specializing in sheep and goats in Laikipia County. The organization is deeply committed to improving livestock genetics, promoting modern animal husbandry practices, and developing a sustainable agricultural model that benefits both investors and surrounding communities.

Operating across vast tracts of land in Laikipia, the employer combines traditional pastoral practices with modern breeding and farm management systems. Their focus is on producing high-quality breeding stock to meet the growing demand for improved small ruminants in Kenya and across East Africa. With experienced teams and strong investments in infrastructure, the farm is positioned as a leader in the livestock breeding industry.

The organization values innovation, sustainability, transparency, and animal welfare, making it an ideal workplace for agricultural professionals who want to align their careers with a mission-driven agricultural enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

As an Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia, you will play a central role in ensuring the smooth running of the farm. Your responsibilities will cover five main areas: livestock management, farm operations, pasture and feed management, financial and administrative duties, and sustainability initiatives.

1. Livestock Management

• Oversee the care, feeding, and overall well-being of sheep and goats within the farm.
• Develop and implement structured breeding programs to improve genetic quality, productivity, and market competitiveness.
• Monitor and manage animal health, including vaccinations, parasite control, and early disease prevention measures.
• Maintain accurate records of livestock breeding cycles, health treatments, and production metrics.
• Work closely with veterinarians to design preventive health programs and implement treatment protocols.
• Ensure compliance with international and Kenyan animal welfare standards.

2. Farm Operations

• Supervise daily farm activities, including grazing schedules, feeding routines, and water supply systems.
• Manage farm staff, providing training, supervision, and motivation to maintain efficiency and adherence to farm protocols.
• Oversee compliance with agricultural regulations, occupational safety guidelines, and legal frameworks.
• Coordinate procurement of farm supplies including veterinary products, tools, and animal feed.
• Ensure timely reporting on animal productivity, mortality, and operational challenges.

3. Pasture and Feed Management

• Plan and implement rotational grazing systems to optimize forage utilization and minimize overgrazing.
• Oversee procurement and storage of hay, silage, supplements, and mineral blocks.
• Conduct pasture assessments to balance livestock numbers with available grazing resources.
• Integrate sustainable practices such as reseeding, soil fertility improvement, and fodder crop production.

4. Financial and Administrative Duties

• Prepare and manage budgets for farm activities, ensuring transparency in expenditure.
• Track revenues and expenses to align with financial objectives.
• Generate regular reports on productivity, breeding success rates, and profitability.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including suppliers, veterinary officers, and investors.

5. Infrastructure and Equipment Management

• Maintain farm infrastructure, including fencing, housing, and water supply systems.
• Ensure functionality of farm equipment, such as feeding troughs, milking facilities, and tractors.
• Coordinate repairs and improvements to maintain efficiency and reduce downtime.

6. Sustainability and Innovation

• Implement sustainable farming practices, including waste management and eco-friendly feeding systems.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies in livestock breeding, artificial insemination, and genetic improvements.
• Promote climate-smart agriculture to reduce environmental impact while maximizing output.

Qualifications and Skills

The Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia role demands both academic credentials and practical experience.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Livestock Production, Agriculture, or a related discipline.

Professional Experience

• 3–5 years’ proven experience in livestock farm management, preferably with sheep and goat breeding programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in animal health management, breeding practices, and productivity monitoring.
• Hands-on experience in supervising farm workers and managing farm operations.

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in livestock health monitoring, vaccinations, parasite control, and disease prevention.
• Knowledge of pasture management, rotational grazing, and feed supplementation strategies.
• Competence in budget preparation, financial tracking, and farm reporting systems.
• Familiarity with modern breeding techniques and genetic improvement technologies.

Other Competencies

• Excellent organizational and record-keeping abilities.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to animal welfare, sustainability, and innovation.
• Ability to train and motivate staff effectively.

Company Culture and Values

The employer emphasizes a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning. Employees are encouraged to embrace innovation while maintaining traditional livestock care values.

Key values include:

• Integrity and Transparency: Ensuring fairness in livestock operations and community interactions.
• Sustainability: Prioritizing eco-friendly agricultural practices that preserve Laikipia’s natural environment.
• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork across departments and with external partners.
• Equity and Inclusion: Offering opportunities to both local communities and industry professionals.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia position.

Interested candidates should prepare the following documents:

1. Updated CV highlighting relevant farm management experience.
2. Cover letter demonstrating interest and suitability for the role.
3. Academic certificates and professional references.

Deadline: 30th September 2025

Applications should be submitted through the employer’s official portal:
👉 Submit Application Here

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The employer is an equal opportunity organization and does not charge any placement fees.

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TAGS

Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia, livestock farm jobs in Kenya, animal science job vacancies in Kenya, agriculture jobs in Laikipia, assistant farm manager sheep and goats Kenya

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10 Proven Tips to Get Shortlisted for the Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia Role

1. Tailor Your CV to Highlight Livestock Management Experience

One of the most common reasons applicants are overlooked is the failure to tailor their CVs to match the role. For this position, you must highlight specific livestock management experience, especially in sheep and goat breeding programs. Avoid vague statements like “I managed livestock” and instead write: “Led a team of 10 farm workers in implementing rotational grazing and vaccination schedules for a flock of 500 sheep and 300 goats.” This demonstrates direct relevance to the job.

Employers in agriculture value measurable outcomes. Include numbers wherever possible: herd sizes managed, breeding success rates, mortality reductions, or production increases. For example, “Achieved a 15% increase in lambing rates through improved breeding strategies.” Such details showcase your technical ability and results-driven approach.

Additionally, ensure that your CV has a clear structure: profile summary, key skills, professional experience, education, and certifications. Place livestock-related achievements at the top so recruiters immediately see your fit. By aligning your CV directly with the Assistant Farm Manager – Breeding Livestock (Sheep & Goats) – Laikipia role, you significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted.

2. Demonstrate Knowledge of Breeding and Genetic Improvement Programs

Since the employer’s core focus is sheep and goat breeding, it is critical to demonstrate your knowledge of breeding systems. A strong application highlights familiarity with selective breeding, artificial insemination, and genetic improvement practices. For instance, you might describe how you selected breeding stock based on performance records or implemented a genetic improvement program to reduce inbreeding.

Applicants often underestimate how technical this role is. A general “animal care” background without emphasis on breeding will not stand out. If you have participated in record-keeping systems, such as tracking lineage, fertility rates, or growth performance, include this in your application. Employers want candidates who can translate theory into practice and bring tangible improvements to herd quality.

If you lack formal breeding experience, emphasize related work—such as assisting with pregnancy diagnosis, managing mating schedules, or collaborating with veterinarians. This demonstrates your readiness to step into a breeding-focused farm environment. By articulating your hands-on breeding knowledge, you position yourself as someone who can advance the farm’s genetic goals.

3. Highlight Competence in Animal Health and Disease Prevention

Animal health is central to livestock profitability. Recruiters want to see that you are proactive about disease prevention, vaccinations, and parasite control. In your CV and cover letter, include examples of how you have implemented vaccination schedules, managed parasite infestations, or responded to disease outbreaks.

For instance: “Implemented a comprehensive deworming program that reduced parasite-related losses by 20% in one year.” Such examples not only showcase your technical knowledge but also demonstrate your leadership in safeguarding herd health.

In your interview, be prepared to discuss common diseases affecting sheep and goats in Kenya, such as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), or Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE). Understanding their prevention and control will make you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.

Employers are also increasingly looking for biosecurity awareness. Highlight your familiarity with farm hygiene protocols, quarantine measures, and proper waste management systems. Demonstrating your ability to reduce veterinary costs while maintaining animal welfare is a powerful differentiator in securing this role.

4. Emphasize Leadership and Staff Supervision Skills

An Assistant Farm Manager must not only understand animals but also effectively lead people. Many otherwise qualified applicants fail because they cannot demonstrate leadership in farm settings. In your application, detail how you have supervised farmhands, trained new employees, or delegated tasks to ensure smooth operations.

For example, write: “Supervised a team of 15 workers, training them on rotational grazing techniques and daily livestock health checks.” Employers appreciate applicants who can both manage people and maintain team morale.

During interviews, you may be asked situational questions such as: “How would you handle a worker failing to follow vaccination protocols?” Prepare to discuss your approach—balancing authority with mentorship. Highlighting your ability to train staff in modern livestock practices also positions you as someone who will improve workforce efficiency.

In addition, emphasize conflict resolution skills, since farm operations often involve diverse staff with varying levels of experience. By portraying yourself as a leader who inspires respect and ensures compliance, you will appeal to employers looking for more than just technical expertise.

5. Showcase Your Financial and Administrative Capabilities

Many applicants overlook the financial management aspect of farm management. Yet, employers highly value candidates who can manage budgets, track expenses, and generate productivity reports. In your CV, highlight experience with budget preparation, expense tracking, and farm profitability analysis.

For example: “Prepared annual farm budgets worth KES 12 million, tracked monthly expenses, and generated quarterly productivity reports for investor review.” This shows you are not just a livestock specialist but also financially savvy.

Be sure to include familiarity with digital tools such as Excel, farm management software, or record-keeping systems. In interviews, be ready to discuss how you have balanced costs against productivity goals, reduced wastage, or negotiated with suppliers for better deals.

Employers want someone who can connect livestock operations with profitability. By demonstrating that you understand farming as both an agricultural and financial enterprise, you stand out as a well-rounded professional ready for the Assistant Farm Manager role.

6. Demonstrate Knowledge of Pasture and Feed Management

Pasture management is often the make-or-break factor in livestock productivity. Highlight your experience with rotational grazing systems, fodder crop production, and supplementary feeding strategies. For instance: “Designed rotational grazing plans across 200 acres, improving forage utilization and reducing overgrazing by 30%.”

Applicants who can link pasture management to measurable herd productivity are more attractive to employers. If you have worked with feed budgeting, forage conservation (silage, hay), or supplement planning, include these in your application.

Employers also value candidates who integrate sustainability—such as reseeding degraded land, improving soil fertility, or planting drought-tolerant fodder. These practices align with Kenya’s climate-smart agriculture goals and demonstrate long-term thinking.

During interviews, be prepared to discuss how you would balance herd size with available forage resources. This shows you understand the practical and economic realities of farm operations. By proving competence in pasture and feed management, you establish yourself as someone capable of sustaining productivity on a breeding farm.

7. Show Familiarity with Modern Breeding Technologies

The livestock industry is rapidly adopting new technologies, from artificial insemination (AI) to data-driven genetic improvement programs. If you have experience with AI, embryo transfer, or digital herd management systems, make sure to highlight it.

For instance: “Assisted in implementing artificial insemination in goats, resulting in improved birth weights and higher survival rates.” Employers are seeking professionals who can integrate traditional practices with modern innovations.

Even if you do not have direct experience, demonstrate willingness to learn and discuss how you have kept updated on modern breeding techniques through training, seminars, or agricultural publications. Mentioning awareness of tools like KoboToolbox for record-keeping or FAO’s DAD-IS database for livestock genetics will distinguish you from other applicants.

This role requires someone who is not only managing today’s livestock but also preparing for the future of precision agriculture and genetic improvement. Position yourself as that forward-thinking candidate, and you’ll capture recruiter attention.

8. Prove Commitment to Sustainability and Animal Welfare

Employers increasingly prioritize sustainability and animal welfare. Highlight your ability to implement eco-friendly practices such as manure management, water conservation, and renewable energy use on farms. Provide examples like: “Implemented manure composting that reduced chemical fertilizer expenses by 25%.”

Animal welfare is equally critical. Show how you ensure humane handling, reduce stress during breeding, and comply with welfare regulations. Candidates who can balance profitability with ethics are highly attractive to employers in agriculture.

If you have worked on projects that reduce carbon footprints or improve farm-community relations, include them in your CV. For interviews, prepare to discuss climate-smart strategies, such as drought-tolerant pasture crops or integrated pest management systems.

By demonstrating alignment with the farm’s sustainability and welfare values, you show employers that you are not just managing livestock but also shaping a responsible and future-proof agricultural enterprise.

9. Network with Industry Professionals and References

Strong applications are supported by solid references and networks. Recruiters often seek validation from trusted industry contacts. Ensure that your referees are credible agricultural professionals—such as veterinarians, livestock officers, or senior farm managers—who can vouch for your technical expertise and integrity.

Additionally, networking within agricultural forums, farmer cooperatives, and professional associations (e.g., Animal Production Society of Kenya) can expose you to hidden job opportunities and strengthen your industry visibility. Mention memberships or conference participation in your CV.

Employers also value candidates who are connected to veterinary suppliers, extension officers, and training institutions. This shows you can leverage networks to benefit farm operations. By strengthening your professional presence, you not only improve your application credibility but also position yourself as a valuable long-term asset.

10. Write a Strong Cover Letter That Connects Passion with Expertise

Finally, never underestimate the power of a well-written cover letter. Many applicants send generic letters that fail to connect with the employer’s mission. For this role, your cover letter should combine technical expertise with passion for livestock breeding.

Start by acknowledging Kenya’s growing demand for improved sheep and goat genetics. Then link your skills to this need: “With five years of experience managing breeding programs for 600 goats, I am eager to contribute to improving productivity and sustainability at your farm in Laikipia.”

Highlight 2–3 key achievements (breeding success, herd health, staff supervision) and conclude with a strong statement of commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming. A personalized, compelling cover letter can make all the difference in getting shortlisted.

Employers want to see that you are not just qualified but also passionate about livestock breeding and farm management. This human connection, when combined with technical depth, will make your application truly stand out.