Job Description
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) invites applications from motivated, disciplined, and service-oriented individuals for the position of Kitchen Attendant III. The successful candidates will support food preparation and kitchen operations at KWS facilities located in Mombasa, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West. A total of eight (8) contract positions are available.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates who enjoy working in a structured hospitality environment where cleanliness, food safety, teamwork, and reliable service are essential. The selected employees will contribute to maintaining professional kitchen standards while supporting the preparation and delivery of meals for staff, visitors, researchers, trainees, and guests staying within KWS establishments. Every member of the kitchen team plays an important role in ensuring that catering operations run efficiently and consistently.
Kitchen Attendants are expected to maintain exceptional hygiene standards in all food preparation and storage areas. Daily activities will include cleaning utensils and kitchen equipment, organizing workstations, handling food items according to established safety procedures, assisting cooks with basic food preparation, and ensuring that kitchen supplies remain properly arranged. Successful candidates will also help receive deliveries, inspect food items for quality, and support inventory management by reporting shortages or damaged supplies.
Working within protected conservation areas requires employees who are dependable, adaptable, and committed to following operational procedures. The role involves collaborating closely with chefs, cooks, supervisors, and fellow support staff to maintain efficient kitchen workflows while ensuring compliance with public health regulations and organizational policies. Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, respect for workplace rules, and the ability to work under varying operational demands, including weekends, public holidays, or shift schedules where necessary.
KWS offers a supportive working environment that values integrity, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. Successful applicants will receive practical exposure to institutional catering operations while contributing to hospitality services that support conservation activities across Kenya's protected areas. Individuals with a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and customer service are encouraged to apply. This position presents an excellent opportunity to build practical experience within one of Kenya's leading conservation institutions while developing valuable hospitality and food service skills that can support long-term professional growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout assigned kitchen areas at all times.
- Wash, rinse, sanitize, and properly store cooking utensils, serving equipment, dishes, trays, pots, and pans after every use.
- Assist cooks and chefs with basic food preparation activities as directed by supervisors.
- Clean vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients before preparation while following food safety guidelines.
- Arrange kitchen equipment and workstations to support smooth daily operations.
- Ensure floors, walls, sinks, shelves, preparation tables, and food storage areas remain clean and hygienic.
- Safely dispose of food waste and other refuse in accordance with approved environmental and sanitation procedures.
- Support the safe receiving, inspection, and storage of food deliveries and kitchen supplies.
- Monitor cleanliness of refrigerators, freezers, storage rooms, and dry food stores.
- Observe proper handling procedures to minimize food contamination and unnecessary waste.
- Refill cleaning materials, detergents, sanitizers, and disposable supplies whenever required.
- Report damaged kitchen equipment, faulty appliances, or unsafe working conditions to supervisors promptly.
- Assist with setting up serving stations before meal service begins.
- Support the orderly distribution of meals during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special functions.
- Keep accurate records where required for cleaning schedules and stock usage.
- Follow established occupational health and safety regulations throughout daily duties.
- Wear protective clothing and personal protective equipment as required.
- Comply with institutional food hygiene standards and public health requirements.
- Work collaboratively with catering staff to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
- Demonstrate professionalism, honesty, courtesy, and respect when interacting with colleagues and visitors.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding internal operational activities where applicable.
- Support stock rotation using recommended food storage practices to preserve quality.
- Participate in scheduled cleaning programs and periodic deep-cleaning exercises.
- Assist during official meetings, conferences, training sessions, and hospitality events whenever assigned.
- Maintain organized storage of utensils and catering equipment after cleaning.
- Follow supervisor instructions carefully while completing duties efficiently.
- Participate in workplace safety briefings and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to maintaining a welcoming, organized, and professional catering environment.
- Respond positively to changing operational priorities within assigned duty stations.
- Perform any other kitchen support duties that may be assigned within the scope of the position.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Mandatory Qualifications
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum mean grade of D (Plain) or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Valid Food Handlers Medical Certificate.
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications.
- Preferred Skills
- Good understanding of food hygiene and sanitation practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a busy catering environment.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Physical fitness suitable for kitchen support duties.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Positive attitude with excellent teamwork skills.
- Ability to follow instructions accurately and consistently.
- High level of personal integrity and reliability.
- Strong commitment to cleanliness and workplace safety.
- Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays when required.
- Ability to adapt to different work locations within assigned stations.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications before 04 August 2026 following the official Kenya Wildlife Service recruitment procedures. Applicants should ensure that all required academic certificates, valid Food Handlers Medical Certificate, identification documents, and any other supporting credentials are complete before submission. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Late, incomplete, or improperly submitted applications may not be considered.