Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is the government parastatal whose responsibility is to assure the quality of agricultural inputs and produce to prevent adverse impact on the economy, the environment and human health.

Duties and responsibilities: – 

• Conduct chemical analysis on agricultural inputs, soil fertility evaluation, irrigation water suitability for support of farmers to assure improved productivity and food security;
• Conduct pesticide residues and contaminants analysis in agricultural produce for compliance to food safety standards and national, regional international market requirements;
• Conduct microbiological analysis on food and environmental samples for compliance to food safety requirements;
• Undertake accurate detection and identification of regulated and non-regulated quarantine pests to support phytosanitary and seed regulations;
• Undertake Tissue culture cleanup and micro-propagation of plants and germplasm maintenance;
• Undertake Genetically Modified Organisms testing for detection, identification and quantification of events in support of the Biosafety act of 2009 and its regulations;
• Participate in identification of risks related to laboratory activities to minimize, leverage and identify potential challenges before they occur;
• Receive samples and maintain LIMS database;
• Verify and validate the correctness of test results by counter checking raw data and forwarding for approval;
• Perform tests on proficiency testing, inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory samples comparisons organized in the division.as a quality assurance and control measure to ensure validity of results;
• Maintains stock level for chemicals, reagents, glassware and equipment and other consumables by; developing specifications, evaluation and inspection to ensure seamless provision of laboratory services;
• Implements the quality management system based on ISO/IEC 17025 to attain process efficiency, continual improvement and facilitate trade;
• Performs scheduled in-house maintenance, calibration, intermediate checks and monitoring on assigned equipment to maintain accuracy of measurements;
• Implements and provides input in review of the laboratory quality systems;
• Participates in approved supervised pesticide residue field trials programs;
• Collates data on the performance of the laboratory through quarterly and annual reports to monitor compliance to Customer service charter;
• Participates in development and review of laboratory Protocols and Standard Operating;
• Procedures for suitability and relevance in line with international standard requirements;
• Prepares and submits individual performance reports highlighting compliance to set targets;
• Implementation of method validation plans for various analytical procedures;
• Sampling of agro-inputs, agricultural produce and products and environmental samples for quality and safety analysis and plant material for pest infestation and disease infection analysis;
• Conduct national surveillance, sampling and monitoring programs for plant pests, seeds and other regulated articles for phytosanitary and seed certification purposes;
• Support Pest Risk Analysis activities to advice on pest status and update pest listing the country;
• Support laboratory research activities towards strengthening phytosanitary and seed regulation;
• Carry out food safety audits to check compliance to set market requirements;
• Preparation of analytical reference standards solutions, reagents for the various laboratory methods;
• Diagnose, troubleshoots and conducts preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment to assure accuracy of measurements;
• Participate in stakeholder training, awareness and technological advice on food safety, plant health, quality of agro-inputs, soil and irrigation water quality for enhanced agricultural productivity;
• Support research and development programs of the Service.

Persons Specification 

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: –

• Bachelor of Science Degree in any of the following; Agriculture, Horticulture, Seed Technology, Botany, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Applied Microbiology, Applied Biology, Applied Biological Science,
• Applied Biological Technology and Plant Nutritionist from a university recognized in Kenya; and
• Meets the provisions of the Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Skills

• Computer applications proficiency. Knowledge in statistical packages will be an added advantage;
• Good analytical skills;
• Data handling skills;
• Problem solving skills
• Good communication skills; and
• Report writing and presentation skills.

Competencies

• Ability to work well under pressure;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work;
• Ability to work independently and in a team;
• Excellent and the ability to make decisions independently.
• Knowledge in laboratory instrumentation and/or electronics and computer engineering;
• Knowledge in international standards on good laboratory practice; and
• Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management System;