The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is a new agency tasked with regulating the manufacture, importation, exportation, registration, distribution, prescription and dispensing of veterinary medicines and other animal health products in Kenya. VMD was established pursuant to CAP 366 (article 39) of the laws of Kenya.

REF NO. VMD 01/2023

Qualifications and Requirements:

For appointment to this grade a candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Registration with Kenya Veterinary Board or equivalent professional regulator; and
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution.

Responsibilities:

An officer at this level will work under the guidance and supervision of a senior officer in any of the listed functional areas. Duties and responsibilities will entail assisting in: –

Standards

• Developing, and reviewing standards and guidelines for veterinary medicines registration, carrying out inspections, trade and good manufacturing practices;
• Carrying out research to inform development and review of appropriate standards and guidelines in liaison with relevant departments and stakeholders; and
• Sensitizing stakeholders on existing standards and guidelines.

Registration & Licensing

• Evaluating and recommending veterinary medicines new/retention applications for registration;
• Assessing applied variations and providing recommendation in relation to products market authorization;
• Evaluating and responding to appeals and complaints on market authorization issues;
• Developing, applying and reviewing guidelines for veterinary medicine evaluation and GMP compliance;
• Developing annual registers of manufacturers of veterinary medicines, registered and retained conventional and alternative veterinary medicines;
• Enforcing good manufacturing practice for veterinary medicines manufacturers;
• Screening and recommending veterinary pesticides for efficacy trial.
• Licensing the manufacture, marketing, importation, exportation, advertisement, and sale of veterinary medicines;
• Issuing annual permits for Local Technical Representatives of foreign manufacturers; and
• Evaluating and responding to appeals and complaints on registrations issues.

Compliance & Surveillance

• Implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Compliance, disposal of unwanted veterinary medicines and testing function;
• Inspecting veterinary pharmacy premises for compliance with laid down standards;
• Monitoring veterinary pharmacy practices for compliance;
• Taking measures necessary to ensure identified non-compliances are addressed;
• Monitoring clinical and non-clinical trials of veterinary medicines by individuals and institutions to be involved in the trials;
• Ensuring adherence to proper disposal practices of expired, damaged, unregistered, fake, counterfeit and other illicit veterinary medicines;
• Ensuring marketed veterinary medicines have market authorization;
• Ensuring appropriate safety measures are put in place in premises that deal with veterinary medicines;
• Ensuring veterinary medicines are stored, labelled and supplied in compliance with the law
• Documenting exhibits and other evidence concerning violations;
• Appearing and Testifying in courts as required; and
• Participating with other, state agencies as needed in activities related to the enforcement of laws concerning veterinary medicines and premises.

Trade Facilitation

• Filing returns of veterinary medicines used in Kenya to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE);
• Compiling Register of Approved Veterinary Pharmacies for publication;
• Compiling trade data on the volumes and types of medicines being imported and exported out of the country;
• Processing permits for importation and exportation of veterinary medicines;
• Licensing veterinary pharmacy practices;
• Licensing the manufacture, marketing, importation, exportation, advertisement, and sale of veterinary medicines;
• Issuing annual permits for Veterinary Pharmaceutical Representatives;
• Ensuring only veterinary medicines with market authorization are allowed in or out of the Country; and
• Eliminating unfair business practices in the veterinary medicine supply chain.

Ports of Entry.

• Verifying import/export documents and inspecting consignments of veterinary medicines at specific ports of entry;
• Impounding illegal, sub-standard and expired veterinary medicines;
• Recommending disposal of impounded veterinary medicines;
• Monitoring the market for and take measures necessary for the elimination of trade in illegal and counterfeit veterinary medicines;
• Conducting surveillance activities to ensure safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines; and
• Overall enforcement of VMD regulations in areas of jurisdictions in conjunction with other relevant Government Agencies.

Competencies and Skills

• Report writing;
• Communication;
• Presentation.