351 Agriculture jobs in Kenya

Head of Agriculture

Location:
Transmara, Narok County, Kenya

Company:
Angata Sugar Mills Ltd. (ASML)

Employment Type:
Full-Time

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About Us

Angata Sugar Mills Ltd. (ASML) is a pioneering force in Kenya's sugar industry, dedicated to transforming the way sugar is produced and distributed. As a greenfield initiative, ASML prioritizes cutting-edge technology and best practices to ensure efficient and sustainable sugar production from sugarcane. Our mission is to empower local farmers, boost the regional economy, and deliver high-quality sugar while upholding our core values of integrity, ingenuity, and service.

About the Job

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced
Head of Agriculture
to lead all agricultural operations across ASML's nucleus estate and outgrower schemes. Reporting directly to the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
, the Head of Agriculture is a core leadership role responsible for driving sustainable sugarcane cultivation that aligns with the company's production goals and farmer empowerment mission.

This role will oversee the
Cane Development
,
Outgrower Cane
,
Nucleus Cane
,
Cane Census
,
Harvesting
,
Cane Transport
, and
Workshop Departments
, ensuring strategic coordination, productivity, and compliance throughout ASML's agricultural ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Outgrower Network Expansion:
  Lead recruitment, contracting, and training of outgrowers. Ensure timely delivery of seed cane and field support services that drive productivity and loyalty among contracted farmers.
• Nucleus Farm Management:
  Oversee land preparation, planting, irrigation, crop rotation, fertilization, and pest management across ASML's nucleus cane estate to maximize yields and set quality benchmarks.
• Cane Census Leadership:
  Conduct timely and accurate census operations to gather data on cane age, acreage, maturity, and forecast yields for informed harvesting and factory planning.
• Harvesting & Transport Oversight:
  Coordinate harvesting schedules and transport logistics to ensure minimal field-to-mill delays, reduce cane deterioration, and support uninterrupted mill operations.
• Agronomic Planning & Execution:
  Develop and implement best-in-class agronomic practices for soil management, varietal selection, weed and pest control, and nutrient optimization.
• Performance Monitoring:
  Build systems for field-level inspections and digital monitoring to track crop health, farmer compliance, and yield projections.
• Interdepartmental Coordination:
  Collaborate with the Cane Transport, Workshop, and Sustainability teams to optimize machinery usage, ensure environmental compliance, and support ASML's social impact initiatives.
• Risk Management:
  Identify and mitigate agronomic, environmental, and operational risks—such as climate variability, pest outbreaks, and non-compliance with farming guidelines.
• Flexibility for Additional Projects:
  Participate in cross-functional projects or assignments as needed to support ASML's evolving strategic and operational priorities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience managing large-scale agricultural programs, preferably in sugarcane.
• Proven success managing outgrower networks and nucleus farms.
• In-depth knowledge of agro-climatic conditions relevant to sugarcane cultivation in East Africa.
• Strong capabilities in cane census execution, harvest planning, and logistical coordination.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and data analysis skills.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Agriculture or Agricultural Economics.
• Experience working with rural communities and building inclusive farmer engagement programs.
• Familiarity with ERP systems like
  Synergy Bravo
  and field-data collection technologies.

Join ASML and play a pivotal role in reshaping the future of sugar production and rural development in Kenya.
Let's grow together.

• Developing and implementing precision agriculture plans for various crops and farming systems.
• Utilizing GIS and remote sensing tools to analyze soil, weather, and crop health data.
• Advising on the selection and application of variable rate technology for fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.
• Evaluating and recommending farm management software and digital tools.
• Conducting field assessments and providing on-site (where feasible, though the role is remote) or virtual consultations.
• Monitoring the performance of precision agriculture initiatives and recommending adjustments.
• Training farmers and agricultural extension workers on new technologies and practices.
• Collaborating with researchers and technology providers to stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
• Preparing reports and presentations on findings and recommendations.
• Contributing to the development of best practices in sustainable and efficient agriculture.

• Develop and implement precision agriculture strategies for clients, focusing on data-driven decision-making.
• Manage and analyze data from various sources, including GPS, sensors, drones, satellite imagery, and soil testing.
• Utilize farm management software and GIS tools to create variable rate application maps for fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection products.
• Advise farmers on the optimal use of technology, such as yield monitors, auto-steer systems, and remote sensing equipment.
• Conduct field assessments and soil sampling to inform site-specific management plans.
• Train farmers and farm managers on the use of precision agriculture tools and techniques.
• Monitor crop health and performance using remote sensing technologies and field observations.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and innovative approaches in precision agriculture.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and equipment manufacturers to integrate best practices.
• Develop reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
• Stay abreast of advancements in agricultural technology, data analytics, and agronomic science.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in Precision Agriculture.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in precision agriculture, farm management, or agricultural technology.
• Proficiency in using farm management software, GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of crop physiology, soil science, and agronomic principles.
• Experience with various precision agriculture hardware, including GPS receivers, sensors, drones, and controllers.
• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and training skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Knowledge of sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship is essential.

• Develop and implement precision agriculture strategies for clients.
• Analyze farm data (soil, yield, weather, imagery) to provide actionable recommendations.
• Advise on the selection, configuration, and operation of precision agriculture technologies.
• Conduct on-site (or virtual) assessments and provide customized farm plans.
• Train farmers and farm managers on the use of precision agriculture tools and software.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented precision farming techniques.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and technology providers.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in agricultural science and data management.
• Prepare detailed reports on farm performance and recommendations.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for agricultural technologies.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in agricultural consulting or precision farming.
• Strong knowledge of agronomic principles and crop production.
• Proficiency with farm management software and data analysis tools.
• Experience with GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and drone technology in agriculture.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects remotely.
• Familiarity with Kenyan agricultural practices is a plus.

• Designing and implementing precision agriculture strategies for various crop types and farming operations.
• Collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural data from sources such as drones, satellites, sensors, and farm machinery.
• Developing customized farm management plans based on data analysis to optimize planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest control.
• Providing technical training and support to farmers and agricultural technicians on the use of precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Evaluating and recommending new technologies and tools to improve farm productivity and sustainability.
• Collaborating with research institutions and technology providers to stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
• Troubleshooting technical issues related to precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Assessing environmental impacts and developing strategies for minimizing resource waste.
• Creating detailed reports and presentations on the effectiveness of implemented precision agriculture solutions.