Veterinary Practitioner's License Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts
Executive Summary
- All veterinary practitioners in Kenya must be registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB)
- Registration governed by the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Para-Professionals Act, 2011
- Requirements include degree in veterinary medicine, passing KVB exams, and one-year internship
- Registration fees: KES 20,000 for veterinary surgeons
- Annual practice license renewal required
- Foreign-trained veterinarians must meet equivalency standards and pass assessments
- Veterinary clinical officers and animal health assistants also regulated by KVB
- KVB located at Kabete, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2675992, +254 722 830155
- Online services available through KVB portal
The Regulatory Framework
The Kenya Veterinary Board is a statutory body established under the Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Para-Professionals Act, 2011. The Board regulates veterinary practice, education, and professional conduct to protect animal health, public health, and consumer interests.
No person shall practice as a veterinary surgeon, veterinary clinical officer, or animal health assistant in Kenya unless registered and licensed by the Kenya Veterinary Board.
About the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB)
The KVB ensures veterinary professionals maintain high standards of competence, ethics, and service delivery. The Board regulates veterinary education, registration, licensing, and professional conduct throughout Kenya.
Functions of the Board
- Register and license veterinary professionals
- Conduct or prescribe qualifying examinations
- Accredit veterinary training institutions
- Maintain registers of veterinary professionals
- Issue annual practice licenses
- Set and enforce professional standards
- Conduct inspections of veterinary premises
- Investigate complaints and conduct disciplinary proceedings
- Promote continuing professional development
- Advise government on veterinary matters
Registration Categories
The KVB registers three categories of veterinary professionals:
1. Veterinary Surgeons
Holders of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees from recognized institutions.
Registration Requirements:
- BVM/DVM degree from KVB-accredited institution
- Successful completion of KVB licensing examinations
- One-year supervised internship
- Payment of registration fees
Registration Fee: KES 20,000
Annual License Fee: KES 15,000
2. Veterinary Clinical Officers
Holders of diploma in veterinary clinical medicine from approved institutions.
Registration Requirements:
- Diploma in veterinary clinical medicine
- Passing KVB examinations
- Practical training/internship
- Payment of registration fees
Registration Fee: KES 10,000
Annual License Fee: KES 8,000
3. Animal Health Assistants
Holders of certificate in animal health from approved institutions.
Registration Requirements:
- Certificate in animal health
- Passing KVB assessments
- Practical attachment
- Payment of registration fees
Registration Fee: KES 5,000
Annual License Fee: KES 4,000
Licensing Examinations
The KVB administers licensing examinations to assess competency before registration.
Examination Areas for Veterinary Surgeons:
- Clinical veterinary medicine and surgery
- Veterinary public health and preventive medicine
- Animal production and health management
- Veterinary anatomy, physiology, and pathology
- Veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics
- Veterinary legislation and professional ethics
Candidates must pass all examination components. Failed candidates may re-sit up to a maximum of three times.
Internship Program
Veterinary surgeon candidates must complete a one-year supervised internship after passing licensing examinations. The internship provides practical clinical experience under supervision of registered veterinary surgeons.
Internship placements are coordinated by KVB in approved veterinary facilities including government veterinary departments, teaching hospitals, and private veterinary practices.
Foreign-Trained Veterinarians
Foreign-trained veterinary professionals can apply for registration subject to:
- Verification of qualifications with home institution and regulatory body
- Demonstration of equivalency to Kenyan standards
- Passing KVB equivalency examinations
- Completing orientation on Kenyan veterinary legislation and disease patterns
- Payment of foreign qualification assessment fees
Foreign Assessment Fee: Variable based on verification requirements
Annual License Renewal
All registered veterinary professionals must renew their practice licenses annually by December 31st.
Renewal Requirements:
- Current registration certificate
- Proof of CPD compliance (minimum 20 hours annually)
- Professional indemnity insurance (for private practitioners)
- Payment of annual license fees
- No outstanding disciplinary issues
Late Renewal Penalty: 50% of prescribed license fee
Veterinary Premises Licensing
Veterinary clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories must be licensed by KVB. Requirements include:
- Registered veterinary surgeon as superintendent
- Adequate facilities and equipment
- Compliance with KVB premises standards
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Payment of premises license fees
Premises License Fees: Variable by category (clinic, hospital, pharmacy, laboratory)
Kenya Veterinary Board Contact Information
Physical Address:
Kenya Veterinary Board
Kabete
Waiyaki Way
Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 29796-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Contact Details:
Phone: +254 20 2675992
Mobile: +254 722 830155
Email: info@kenyavetboard.or.ke
Website: www.kenyavetboard.or.ke
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
