Agronomy & Fodder Officer
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ILRI is recruiting an Agronomy & Fodder Officer on behalf of Kapiti Plains Estate Limited in Machakos, Kenya. The role manages crop and fodder production, develops sustainable agronomic strategies, coordinates with the livestock team, and supports research trials.
- Manage crop and fodder production across the estate
- Develop strategies to improve food, feed, and fodder yields
- Support research trials involving crop and fodder systems
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ILRI is recruiting an Agronomy & Fodder Officer on behalf of Kapiti Plains Estate Limited in Machakos, Kenya. The role manages crop and fodder production, develops sustainable agronomic strategies, coordinates with the livestock team, and supports research trials.
- Manage crop and fodder production across the estate
- Develop strategies to improve food, feed, and fodder yields
- Support research trials involving crop and fodder systems
- Collaborate with the livestock team to align feed supply with herd needs
- Minimum of three years' experience in fodder crop management
- Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agriculture, soil science, or a related field
AI job guide
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AI salary guide
Not enough public dataNot enough public salary data is available for this exact role. Before applying, prepare to ask about gross pay, benefits, contract length, probation period, transport and any allowances.
Can you qualify for this role?
- Required3+ years of relevant experienceThe job post includes a minimum experience signal.
- RequiredEducation or certification mentioned in the postThe captured text mentions education, a diploma, certificate, or licence.
- PreferredPractical evidence in internship, agricultura, technologyThe tags and summary point to skills connected with this role.
- RequiredAvailability to work in MachakosThe vacancy is associated with this location.
- UnclearComfort with the Full Time contract termsConfirm hours, duration, probation and benefits at the original source.
Documents to prepare
- Likely requiredUpdated CV
- Role specificCover letter or short employer message
- OptionalProfessional references
- Role specificAcademic or professional certificates
- VerifyID or passport only after verifying the employer
Application tips for this job
- Place your strongest Agronomy & Fodder Officer evidence in the first half of your CV.
- In your cover letter or employer message, connect your experience to ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute and the role in Machakos.
- Add concrete examples related to internship, agricultura, technology, ideally with measurable outcomes or clear responsibilities.
- Follow the instructions from Impactpool Kenya; avoid sending documents to unofficial contacts or copied links.
- Confirm the deadline, interview location and employer contact before sharing personal documents.
- Plan to submit before the listed deadline: 2026-11-20.
Source and safety check
- Impactpool Kenya
- Original source link available
- Application method is clear
- Deadline is available: 2026-11-20
- No major risk signal was detected in the captured text.
Never pay for interviews, shortlisting, medical checks, uniforms, or job placement. Confirm every application at the original source before sharing personal documents. Report suspicious listing.
Interview preparation
- What experience makes you a strong fit for this Agronomy & Fodder Officer role in internship, agricultura?
- How have you handled responsibilities similar to those in this job post?
- Are you available to work in Machakos under the listed contract or schedule?
- Prepare examples with clear responsibilities, tools used and measurable outcomes.
- Review the source and research ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute before the interview.
Ask what the first priorities will be in the role and how success will be measured.
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Original source description
Agronomy & Fodder Officer - Kapiti Plains Estate Limited
ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute
Plains, Machakos
Mid level
Application deadline: November 20, 2026 (14 days)
Apply
Summary by Impactpool
The Agronomy & Fodder Officer at Kapiti Plains Estate Limited will manage and support all aspects of crop and fodder production. This role involves developing agronomic strategies to improve food and feed production while ensuring sustainable land management. The officer will collaborate with the livestock team to align feed availability with herd needs and support research trials. The position requires a strong background in agronomy and experience in fodder crop management.
Candidate Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science, or related field
Minimum of three years' experience in fodder crop management
Experience with silage, hay, and irrigated forage systems
Familiarity with integrated livestock-plant systems
Knowledge of agricultural production methods and soil science
Ability to analyze data and provide sound advice
Proficiency with MS Office and diagnostic scientific software
Strong research, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Ability to supervise field labor and coordinate activities
Strong organizational skills
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit an Agronomy & Fodder Officer on behalf of Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd to be responsible for managing, planning, and providing support on all aspects of crop and fodder production. The position holder will study soils and crops with the aim of improving food and feed production, manage land sustainably, and increase fodder yields by examining, researching, and solving problems related to feed management, output, and quality. The Agronomist will develop tailored agronomic approaches and oversees interventions focused on developing and promoting better farming practices and operational sustainability. The incumbent will work closely with the livestock team to ensure feed availability matches herd needs and supports research trials involving fodder and crop systems.
Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is a public limited company, wholly owned by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The ranch’s objective is to run as a state-of-the-art research station and a commercially viable farm. Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is located 60 km southeast of Nairobi on the Mombasa road, in Kenya’s semi-arid lands (550mm average rainfall) at an altitude of 1,650–1,900m above sea level, and is part of the Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem. Kapiti Plains Estate Limited is also home to a vast array of wildlife. These provide livestock scientists with unique opportunities to include wildlife in their research projects. Since September 2020 Kapiti Plains Estate Limited has been registered as a wildlife conservancy with the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is an international organization working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Crop & Fodder Production Management:
- Develop crop (Napier, Rhodes, sorghum, maize silage, etc.) management strategies, schedules, budgets, and timelines aligned with feed demand.
- Develop improved crop production methods and techniques during planting, cultivation, and harvesting with the aim of improving crop yield and solving problems.
- Optimise yield per acre and forage quality through data-driven practices.
- Supervise field labour and maintain field input/output records.
- Research & Soil Management:
- Research and promote agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and damage from pests.
- Visit farms to collect seed, plant, and soil samples for examination and research.
- Test samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, or other changes due to adopted farm practices.
- Source, select, and test seeds and seedlings.
- Develop new varieties of crops and hybrids that are more resistant to disease and pests.
- Record Keeping & Reporting:
- Keep detailed records regarding farms, crops, and samples.
- Generate reports and present findings to management, clients, or other interested parties.
- Training & Extension Support:
- Advise farmers on the most effective and economical ways to maximize crop yields.
- Develop educational materials and training programmes on crop management.
- Conduct training on products and techniques through educational presentations and practical demonstrations.
- Collaboration & Integration:
- Liaise with the livestock team to ensure feed availability matches herd needs.
- Support research teams in implementing trials involving fodder and crop systems.
- Administrative Duties:
- Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Manager/Head — Kapiti.
Requirements
Essential
Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science, or a related field.
Minimum of three (3) years' experience in fodder crop management.
Experience with silage, hay, and irrigated forage systems.
Familiarity with integrated livestock-plant systems.
Knowledge of agricultural production methods and soil science.
Technical Competencies
Ability to analyse data and provide sound advice.
Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software.
Strong research, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments.
Leadership & Management Competencies
Ability to supervise field labour and coordinate field activities.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and schedule work.
Effective collaboration skills for working with livestock teams, researchers, and management.
Key Attributes
Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work on farms while standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping for extended periods.
Results-oriented and committed to sustainable land management and continuous improvement.
Location: Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd — Machakos, Kenya
Terms of Appointment:
This is a full-time position offered on a contract basis and is open only to Kenyan nationals.
How to apply:
Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV, including contact details for three professional referees, to the Hiring Manager through our recruitment portal by clicking “Apply Now” on or before 20 November 2026. The position title and reference number
REF: Kapiti/06/2026
should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
.
Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). Kapiti Plains Estate Ltd also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
Summary by Impactpool
The Agronomy & Fodder Officer at Kapiti Plains Estate Limited will manage and support all aspects of crop and fodder production. This role involves developing agronomic strategies to improve food and feed production while ensuring sustainable land management. The officer will collaborate with the livestock team to align feed availability with herd needs and support research trials. The position requires a strong background in agronomy and experience in fodder crop management.
Candidate Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science, or related field
Minimum of three years' experience in fodder crop management
Experience with silage, hay, and irrigated forage systems
Familiarity with integrated livestock-plant systems
Knowledge of agricultural production methods and soil science
Ability to analyze data and provide sound advice
Proficiency with MS Office and diagnostic scientific software
Strong research, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Ability to supervise field labor and coordinate activities
Strong organizational skills
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Agronomy & Fodder Officer - Kapiti Plains Estate Limited
ILRI - International Livestock Research Institute
Plains, Machakos
Mid level
Apply