The Kenya Trade Network Agency, widely known as KenTrade, has announced eight open positions across its departments, giving qualified Kenyan professionals a rare opportunity to join one of the country’s most strategically important public institutions. Whether you are an experienced finance professional, a technology specialist, or someone building a career in trade facilitation and logistics, these openings cover a wide range of disciplines and experience levels.
KenTrade sits at the center of Kenya’s cross-border trade infrastructure. It operates the Kenya TradeNet System, an electronic single window platform that links government agencies, shipping lines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, banks, and insurance companies into one streamlined environment. For job seekers, landing a role here is not just about a monthly salary. It is about being part of a system that moves billions of shillings worth of goods through Kenyan ports, airports, and border points every single year.
This article covers every open position, the qualifications required, what the roles involve, approximate salary bands, and a step-by-step guide on how to submit your application before the deadline closes.
About Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade)
KenTrade was established under the Kenya Trade Network Agency Order, Legal Notice No. 136 of 2011, as a State Corporation under the National Treasury. Its mandate is to implement, operationalize, and manage the National Electronic Single Window System in Kenya, commonly referred to as the Kenya TradeNet System.
The agency brings together over 27 government agencies involved in trade licensing, permits, and clearances, reducing the time and cost businesses spend moving goods across Kenyan borders. For importers and exporters, this translates into faster clearance, fewer physical document movements, and reduced transaction costs tied to trade finance, cargo insurance, and logistics.
From a career standpoint, KenTrade offers competitive government-aligned salary packages, structured career progression, health benefits, and pension contributions through the National Social Security Fund. Employees also gain exposure to international trade systems, regional integration programs, and digital government platforms that are increasingly central to Africa’s economic development agenda.
Complete List of the 8 Open Positions at KenTrade
The following roles are currently open. Each position has specific requirements, and candidates are encouraged to confirm they meet the minimum qualifications before applying.
1. Assistant Director, Finance and Accounts
This is a senior finance role responsible for overseeing the agency’s financial management, budgeting, accounting, and reporting functions. The successful candidate will be expected to manage public funds in line with the Public Finance Management Act, coordinate annual financial audits, and ensure compliance with treasury regulations.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, a CPA(K) or ACCA certification, and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience, at least three of which should be at a management level. Familiarity with government financial systems such as IFMIS is a significant advantage.
This position is particularly suited for finance professionals who have previously worked within public sector institutions, development finance organizations, or entities regulated by the Controller of Budget. The role also requires strong knowledge of bank reconciliation processes, internal controls, and investment planning within a public agency context.
2. Senior ICT Officer
KenTrade’s operations are built on technology, making this one of the most critical roles in the organization. The Senior ICT Officer will be responsible for managing, maintaining, and developing the IT systems that power the Kenya TradeNet platform, ensuring uptime, data integrity, and cybersecurity compliance.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline, along with professional certifications such as CCNA, MCSE, or equivalent credentials. A minimum of six years of experience in ICT infrastructure management, system administration, or software development is required. Experience working with enterprise resource planning systems or government single window platforms will be an added advantage.
Given the volume of financial transactions processed through the TradeNet system daily, including payments linked to customs duties, freight charges, cargo insurance premiums, and letter of credit settlements, the officer will need to demonstrate strong competency in transaction system security and database management.
3. Legal Officer
The Legal Officer will provide legal advisory services to KenTrade, handle contract drafting and review, support regulatory compliance efforts, and manage litigation matters involving the agency. This role requires a thorough understanding of Kenyan commercial law, public procurement regulations, and trade-related legislation.
Minimum qualifications include an LLB degree from a recognized university, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya certification, a current practicing certificate, and at least four years of post-admission legal experience. Experience in public sector legal work, contract law, or trade and customs law will be particularly valued.
The officer will frequently engage with matters touching on intellectual property, data privacy, service level agreements with financial institutions and logistics partners, and cross-border trade compliance frameworks. Strong drafting skills and the ability to translate complex legal provisions into actionable organizational policy are essential.
4. Supply Chain Management Officer
This role sits within the procurement and supply chain function, managing the acquisition of goods and services in line with Kenya’s Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. The officer will handle tendering processes, evaluate bids, manage supplier relationships, and maintain asset records for the agency.
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field, along with membership of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM). A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, preferably within a public institution or parastatal.
Knowledge of e-procurement platforms and experience working within frameworks that involve multi-currency transactions, import duties, clearing agents, or freight management will be an advantage.
5. Corporate Communications Officer
The Corporate Communications Officer will manage KenTrade’s internal and external communications, public relations activities, stakeholder engagement programs, and media relations. This position plays a key role in shaping how the agency is perceived by the business community, government partners, financial institutions, and the general public.
A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or Marketing is required, along with a minimum of four years of experience in a communications or public affairs role. Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content, manage social media channels, and develop stakeholder engagement strategies will be critical to success in this position.
The officer will also be involved in producing communications related to trade facilitation policy updates, system downtime notifications affecting importers and exporters, and partnership announcements with regional trade bodies and financial service providers.
6. Records Management Officer
This role involves managing the agency’s records and documentation systems in line with the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Service regulations and the Access to Information Act. The officer will develop and implement records management policies, oversee digitization of physical documents, and ensure proper storage, retrieval, and disposal of agency records.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree or Higher Diploma in Records Management, Library Studies, Information Science, or a related discipline, with at least three years of relevant experience. Knowledge of electronic document management systems is an added advantage.
7. Customer Service Officer
The Customer Service Officer will serve as the first point of contact for KenTrade’s clients, which include clearing and forwarding agents, importers, exporters, banks, insurance companies, and logistics providers. The officer will handle inquiries, resolve complaints, onboard new users to the TradeNet system, and maintain service quality standards.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Customer Service Management, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of two years of experience in a client-facing role. Fluency in English and Kiswahili is essential, and experience working in a trade, logistics, or financial services environment will be preferred.
Given the profile of users who interact with KenTrade’s platform — many of whom are processing high-value trade transactions involving trade credit, customs bonds, and cargo insurance — the officer must be able to handle complex queries calmly and accurately under pressure.
8. Office Assistant
The Office Assistant provides general administrative and operational support to various departments within KenTrade. Duties include handling correspondence, managing office supplies, coordinating meetings, and supporting senior staff with day-to-day administrative tasks.
A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade of C, along with a certificate in Business Administration, Secretarial Studies, or a related field, is the minimum requirement. At least two years of relevant administrative experience is preferred.
While this is an entry-level position, it offers a clear pathway into the public sector for individuals who demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to grow within the organization.
KenTrade Salary Structure and Benefits Package
KenTrade operates on a Job Group-based compensation structure aligned with State Corporation salary guidelines set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. While exact salary figures for the current recruitment cycle are not publicly listed until the offer stage, the following bands provide a realistic indication of what candidates can expect:
| Position | Estimated Monthly Gross (KES) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Director, Finance and Accounts | KES 120,000 – 180,000 |
| Senior ICT Officer | KES 90,000 – 130,000 |
| Legal Officer | KES 80,000 – 120,000 |
| Supply Chain Management Officer | KES 60,000 – 90,000 |
| Corporate Communications Officer | KES 60,000 – 90,000 |
| Records Management Officer | KES 50,000 – 75,000 |
| Customer Service Officer | KES 45,000 – 70,000 |
| Office Assistant | KES 25,000 – 40,000 |
Beyond base salary, KenTrade employees typically receive medical cover for themselves and immediate family members, annual leave allowances, transport and commuter benefits, group life insurance, and access to government savings schemes. For senior roles, housing allowances and professional development support are also part of the package.
It is worth noting that public sector employment in Kenya comes with a defined pension structure. Contributions to the Public Service Superannuation Scheme or NSSF apply, giving employees a retirement planning foundation that many private sector roles in the country do not guarantee.
Who Should Apply and What KenTrade Is Looking For
Beyond the stated academic qualifications and experience requirements, KenTrade’s recruitment panel typically evaluates candidates on a set of competencies that reflect the demands of working in a trade-focused government agency.
Analytical thinking is highly valued. Whether you are working in finance, ICT, or supply chain, you will regularly encounter situations that require you to assess data, interpret trends, and make recommendations that have real consequences for agency operations and public funds management.
Digital literacy matters across every role. KenTrade is a technology-driven organization, and even non-technical staff are expected to work comfortably within digital platforms, electronic document systems, and collaborative online tools. Candidates who can demonstrate experience working in paperless or hybrid office environments will have an edge.
Integrity is non-negotiable. KenTrade operates at the intersection of government regulation and private sector commerce, handling sensitive data from thousands of businesses processing imports, exports, customs declarations, and trade finance instruments. The agency has a strict ethics framework, and all candidates will be subject to background verification and the requirements of the Public Officer Ethics Act.
How to Apply for KenTrade Vacancies
Applications for all eight positions must be submitted through KenTrade’s official recruitment process. The following steps outline how to prepare and submit your application correctly.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents before beginning your application. This includes your academic certificates and transcripts, professional certifications (original and copies), a current curriculum vitae or resume, your national identification card or passport, and your Kenya Revenue Authority PIN certificate. For positions requiring professional registration such as legal, accounting, or supply chain roles, include your current membership certificate.
Step 2: Write a Tailored Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of KenTrade and must clearly state the specific position you are applying for, your current employer or most recent work experience, and why you believe you are the right candidate for the role. Avoid generic cover letters. Specific references to KenTrade’s mandate and how your experience aligns with it will make your application stand out.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications should be submitted via the official KenTrade website or delivered physically to KenTrade’s offices within the deadline indicated in the official job advertisement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered regardless of the circumstances.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from the agency within thirty days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful for that cycle.
Step 4: Prepare for Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test and/or oral interview. The panel will assess both technical competency and behavioral attributes. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of KenTrade’s role in Kenya’s trade ecosystem, your experience with government systems or regulated industries, and how you have handled specific professional challenges in past roles.
Tips for a Stronger Application
Government recruitment in Kenya is competitive, and KenTrade specifically attracts applications from professionals with strong backgrounds in finance, technology, and trade operations. A few practical steps can meaningfully improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Quantify your achievements wherever possible in your CV. Rather than stating that you managed procurement processes, specify the value of contracts you managed, the number of suppliers you handled, or the cost savings your interventions produced. Numbers give context and credibility that generic descriptions cannot.
Verify your academic certificates are properly certified. KenTrade and most public sector agencies conduct certificate verification through the Kenya National Qualifications Authority or the issuing institution. Misrepresentation of qualifications is grounds for immediate disqualification and potential legal consequences.
Tailor each application to the specific role. If you are applying for the Senior ICT Officer position, your CV should lead with your technical experience, certifications, and systems you have worked on. If you are applying for the Legal Officer role, your litigation history, contract drafting experience, and regulatory knowledge should be prominent.
If you currently work in the private sector, particularly in banking, insurance, freight forwarding, or trade finance, highlight that sector knowledge explicitly. KenTrade’s clients and stakeholders include commercial banks issuing letters of credit, insurance companies underwriting cargo policies, and freight companies processing customs entries. Candidates who understand that ecosystem add immediate operational value.
Why This Recruitment Matters for Kenya’s Economy
Trade facilitation is not an abstract policy concept. Every day, thousands of Kenyan businesses depend on the smooth operation of clearance systems, electronic payment platforms, and cross-agency coordination to move goods into and out of the country. Delays at the border translate directly into increased financing costs, higher demurrage charges, and lost business for importers and exporters operating on tight margins.
KenTrade’s staff are the people who keep this system running. When a freight forwarder in Mombasa needs to clear a container of industrial equipment for a manufacturing plant in Nairobi, it is the TradeNet system and the people behind it that determine whether that process takes hours or weeks. The professionals hired through this recruitment cycle will directly contribute to the efficiency of Kenya’s trade corridors, which are central to the country’s economic competitiveness in the East African region.
For candidates, this is also an opportunity to be part of a sector that is growing in complexity and importance. Regional integration through the East African Community, the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, and increasing digitization of cross-border processes mean that trade facilitation professionals in Kenya are gaining skills that are in demand across the continent.
Application Deadline and Contact Information
The specific closing date for applications is stated in the official KenTrade advertisement published on their website and in local daily newspapers. Candidates are strongly advised to verify the exact deadline directly from the official KenTrade communications channels to avoid missing the window.
For inquiries related to the recruitment process, contact KenTrade’s Human Resources department through the contact details provided on their official website. Do not share personal financial information or make any payments to third parties claiming to facilitate your application. KenTrade’s recruitment process is free of charge.
The eight vacancies currently open at KenTrade represent a genuine opportunity for skilled Kenyan professionals to build careers in one of the most dynamic areas of public service. Whether you are drawn to finance, technology, legal work, communications, or customer service, there is a role aligned with your background and ambitions. Review the requirements carefully, prepare a strong application, and submit well before the deadline to give yourself the best possible chance of being part of Kenya’s national trade infrastructure team.
