Job Description
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Correctional Services, is inviting applications from qualified and motivated individuals for the position of Cook III. This opportunity is offered on permanent and pensionable terms and is ideal for candidates who are passionate about food preparation, kitchen operations, hygiene, and delivering quality meal services within a structured public institution. The successful candidates will join a professional catering team responsible for supporting daily food production while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and operational efficiency.
As a Cook III, you will begin your career under the guidance of experienced supervisors who will provide practical coaching and continuous workplace learning. The position offers an excellent opportunity to develop culinary knowledge, improve food production techniques, and gain valuable experience in institutional catering. The successful applicants will contribute to the preparation of balanced meals while ensuring compliance with government food handling regulations and workplace safety procedures.
The role requires individuals who are organized, dependable, physically fit, and capable of working efficiently in a busy kitchen environment. Successful candidates will participate in preparing ingredients, arranging kitchen equipment, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting the smooth delivery of meals according to established menus and schedules. Every task performed contributes to maintaining quality service for the institution while ensuring that food is prepared safely and efficiently.
Applicants should demonstrate a positive attitude toward teamwork, discipline, integrity, and respect for established procedures. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and the ability to follow instructions accurately will be essential for success in this position. The department values employees who consistently maintain hygiene standards, handle kitchen equipment responsibly, and contribute positively to an organized workplace.
Working within the Correctional Services environment provides an opportunity to build a stable public service career while supporting an essential government function. Employees benefit from structured career progression, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment designed to promote accountability and continuous improvement.
This recruitment targets individuals who are committed to delivering quality catering services while observing professionalism, food safety principles, and public service values. Candidates with the required academic qualifications and practical food production training are encouraged to apply. If you are seeking long-term employment within the Government of Kenya and possess the enthusiasm to work in institutional catering, this position provides an excellent foundation for career growth within the public service.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare vegetables, cereals, meat, poultry, fish, fruits, and other food ingredients before cooking by washing, peeling, slicing, chopping, measuring, and organizing them according to daily production requirements.
- Assist senior kitchen personnel during food preparation, cooking, portioning, and serving activities while following approved recipes and established operational procedures.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen by regularly cleaning workstations, preparation tables, storage areas, utensils, sinks, walls, floors, and surrounding workspaces.
- Wash, sanitize, dry, and properly store cooking utensils, serving equipment, trays, containers, pots, pans, knives, and other kitchen tools after use.
- Arrange and prepare kitchen equipment before food production begins to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations.
- Inspect cooking equipment before use and promptly report damaged, faulty, or unsafe equipment to the supervising officer for repair or replacement.
- Support the safe handling, storage, and preservation of food items to minimize waste and maintain food quality.
- Follow established food safety procedures during preparation, cooking, serving, and storage of meals.
- Observe personal hygiene by wearing clean protective clothing, maintaining proper grooming standards, and following sanitation requirements throughout working hours.
- Ensure all food preparation areas remain organized and free from unnecessary hazards that may affect workplace safety.
- Participate in receiving food supplies and verifying that delivered items meet required quality and quantity standards.
- Assist in arranging food supplies within designated storage facilities while observing proper stock rotation practices.
- Monitor cleanliness of refrigerators, freezers, shelves, and food storage rooms to support safe food preservation.
- Support inventory management by notifying supervisors whenever ingredients or kitchen supplies require replenishment.
- Handle food preparation equipment responsibly to reduce unnecessary damage and improve operational efficiency.
- Follow instructions issued by supervising officers accurately and complete assigned duties within scheduled timelines.
- Assist in preparing meals that meet nutritional standards and institutional dietary requirements.
- Promote teamwork by cooperating effectively with colleagues in food preparation, cleaning, serving, and kitchen organization.
- Observe occupational health and safety regulations at all times while carrying out assigned responsibilities.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, discipline, and integrity while serving within the State Department for Correctional Services.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- AND a Craft Certificate in Food and Beverage Production, Sales and Service from a recognized institution.
- OR
- Successful completion of a formal Food Production course lasting not less than two (2) months offered by Kenya Utalii College or another recognized institution.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official recruitment process prescribed by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration – State Department for Correctional Services. Applicants should ensure that all academic certificates, professional qualifications, and supporting documents are complete, accurate, and up to date before submission. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process. Candidates are advised to submit their applications before the stated closing date, as late or incomplete applications may not be considered. The State Department for Correctional Services is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates from all eligible backgrounds to apply in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya and applicable public service recruitment guidelines.