The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a state corporation in Kenya that was established in 1979 to promote and enable contributions to health research and development. In addition to its mandate to conduct health, biomedical, and public health research, KEMRI regularly announces various career opportunities, including attachments and internships, for which all Kenyans can apply.
Important Update: KEMRI announced internship positions in February 2025 with applications closing on 25th February 2025 by 5.00 p.m. However, the institute typically runs multiple internship cycles throughout the year based on organizational needs and funding availability.
Therefore, if you want to join the KEMRI personnel or have wanted to, you should ensure that you know how to go through the application process. There are also requirements to be met that you should consider, and this article will cover it all for you.
KEMRI Internship Vacancies
The purpose of the internships offered by KEMRI is to enhance employability by ensuring that the interns can gain practical experience during the entire internship period. The KEMRI Internship Program seeks to develop a pool of young talent adequately exposed to working in the research industry. The program is open to all Kenyans with Bachelor and Diploma certificates, as shown in the table below:
Research Function Positions – KEMRI Nairobi
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor of Science Biochemistry/Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry | Nairobi | 3 |
| 2 | Bachelor of Science Biotechnology/Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Biomedical Sciences/Bioengineering | Nairobi | 3 |
| 3 | Bachelor of Science Biostatistics/Statistics | Nairobi | 2 |
| 4 | Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences/Parasitology/Entomology/Applied Biology/Zoology | Nairobi | 3 |
| 5 | BSc. Medical Microbiology/Microbiology/Mycology | Nairobi | 3 |
| 6 | Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences | Nairobi | 2 |
| 7 | Bachelor of Science Occupational Safety and Health/Public Health/Environmental Studies | Nairobi | 1 |
| 8 | Bachelor of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences | Nairobi | 3 |
| 9 | BSc Forensic Science | Nairobi | 2 |
| 10 | Bachelor of Science Botanical Sciences/Taxonomy | Nairobi | 1 |
| 11 | BA. Sociology/BSc. Public Health | Nairobi | 2 |
| 12 | Bachelor of Science Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics | Nairobi | 1 |
| 13 | Bachelor of Science Nutrition and Dietetics | Nairobi | 1 |
Support Services Function – KEMRI Nairobi
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology/Computer Science/Computer Engineering | Nairobi | 2 |
| 15 | Bachelor’s in Mass Communication/Journalism/Media Studies with a bias in digital communication | Nairobi | 1 |
| 16 | Bachelor Degree in Marketing/Digital Marketing | Nairobi | 4 |
| 17 | Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration | Nairobi | 2 |
| 18 | Bachelors in Project Planning and Management/Operations Management/Health Systems management/Monitoring and Evaluation | Nairobi | 1 |
| 19 | Bachelor’s Degree in Economics/Statistics/Mathematics/Public Policy/Project Planning & Management/Strategic Management | Nairobi | 1 |
| 20 | Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing and Supplies Management | Nairobi | 1 |
| 21 | Bachelor of Laws having completed pupilage/awaiting admission to the bar | Nairobi | 2 |
| 22 | Bachelor in Business Management/BCOM /Science/ Human Resource Option | Nairobi | 1 |
| 23 | Degree – Knowledge Management or Social Sciences | Nairobi | 1 |
| 24 | BSc. Library Science/Information Science | Nairobi | 1 |
Diploma Positions – KEMRI Nairobi
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Option, Plant Mechanics, Boiler Operations | Nairobi | 2 |
| 26 | Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering | Nairobi | 1 |
| 27 | Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences | Nairobi | 2 |
| 28 | Diploma in Applied Biology | Nairobi | 2 |
| 29 | Diploma in Health Records and Information Technology | Nairobi | 1 |
| 30 | Diploma in Analytical Chemistry | Nairobi | 2 |
| 31 | Diploma/Certificate in Animal Health/Animal Science/Animal Husbandry | Nairobi | 1 |
| 32 | Diploma in Business Management/Administration | Nairobi | 1 |
| 33 | Diploma in Computer Science or ICT/IT | Nairobi | 1 |
| 34 | Diploma/Certificate in Plumbing | Nairobi | 1 |
| 35 | Diploma in Secretarial Studies/Business Administration | Nairobi | 1 |
| 36 | Diploma in Criminology/Security Management | Nairobi | 1 |
| 37 | Diploma in Supply Chain Management/Procurement | Nairobi | 1 |
| 38 | Diploma in Food Management | Nairobi | 1 |
| 39 | Diploma in Journalism | Nairobi | 1 |
| 40 | Certificate/Diploma in Catering and Accommodation or Food and Beverage | Nairobi | 1 |
Regional KEMRI Centers
KEMRI Kilifi
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | BSc. Biochemistry/Biology/Biotechnology or any biological sciences | Kilifi | 2 |
| 42 | Degree in Medical laboratory | Kilifi | 1 |
| 43 | Degree in ICT/IT | Kilifi | 1 |
| 44 | Diploma in Nursing | Kilifi | 1 |
KEMRI Kwale
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | BSc in Biomedical Sciences or its equivalent qualifications | Kwale | 1 |
| 46 | Diploma in Business Management | Kwale | 1 |
| 47 | Craft Certificate in Plumbing | Kwale | 1 |
KEMRI Kirinyaga
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | BSc Biomedical sciences/Biochemistry/Medical lab sciences | Kirinyaga | 1 |
| 49 | Diploma Business administration/Business management/Strategic Management | Kirinyaga | 1 |
KEMRI Busia
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Bachelor of Science in Microbiology | Busia | 1 |
| 51 | Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology/Biomedical Sciences | Busia | 1 |
| 52 | Diploma in Applied Biology | Busia | 1 |
| 53 | Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or any other relevant and equivalent qualification | Busia | 1 |
KEMRI Kisumu
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | BSc Biotechnology/Microbiology/Biomedical Sciences or Science related course | Kisumu | 2 |
| 55 | Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or any other relevant and equivalent qualification | Kisumu | 1 |
| 56 | Bachelors in Human Resource Management | Kisumu | 1 |
| 57 | Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science | Kisumu | 1 |
| 58 | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Option, Plant Mechanics, Boiler Operations | Kisumu | 1 |
| 59 | Diploma in ICT or IT | Kisumu | 1 |
KEMRI Mandera
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | BSc. Microbiology | Mandera | 1 |
| 61 | Diploma Medical Laboratory | Mandera | 1 |
| 62 | BSc. Public Health | Mandera | 1 |
KEMRI Eldoret
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | Diploma in Computer Engineering | Eldoret | 1 |
| 64 | Degree in Social Work | Eldoret | 1 |
| 65 | Degree in Sales and Marketing | Eldoret | 1 |
KEMRI Kericho
| No. | Area of Specialization | Location | No. of Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | Degree in Clinical Medicine | Kericho | 1 |
| 67 | Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology | Kericho | 1 |
| 68 | Degree in Procurement or Business management(Supply Chain Option) | Kericho | 1 |
What Are the Requirements for a KEMRI Internship?
While it is straightforward to apply for the various advertised internship positions at KEMRI, all candidates must meet the eligibility criteria to be shortlisted for the interview process. Below is what you need to keep in account or ensure you have:
- You must have all the required certificates in your area of specialization, ie, Bachelor’s degree or Diploma
- You must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid National ID
- You must be a Kenyan youth below the age of 30 years
- You must have no criminal record, and thus, a certificate of good conduct is necessary
- You should not have undertaken any other internship or gained workplace experience related to your study area since graduating
In addition to meeting the above requirements, all applicants should ensure that they have interpersonal, communication, and strong analytical skills, as well as be goal-oriented, dynamic, passionate, a person of integrity, and computer-literate.
Finally, all interns are required to obtain personal accident cover and medical insurance for the duration of their internship. This is a mandatory requirement that must be fulfilled before commencement of the internship program.
KEMRI Internship Program Structure
How long is the Kemri internship? The internship typically lasts between 6 and 12 months and is designed as a one-time opportunity that cannot be renewed.
During the internship period, participants receive comprehensive training in their respective fields. For research positions, interns are exposed to various research methodologies, data collection techniques, ethical considerations in human research, data management, and analysis procedures. Support function interns receive training relevant to their specific departments and roles.
KEMRI provides a monthly stipend of KES 25,000 for Bachelor’s degree holders and KES 15,000 for Diploma holders. This stipend is supplied without other employment benefits, such as medical cover or housing allowances.
How to Apply for KEMRI Internships
The application process for KEMRI internships is conducted entirely through their online e-recruitment portal. The process to follow is as follows:
- Visit the official KEMRI e-recruitment portal at https://erecruitment.kemri.go.ke:7070/identity/account/Register and proceed to create an account.
- After creating your account, verify your details through the email verification process sent to your registered email address.
- Log in and complete your profile with accurate personal information, educational background, and relevant experience.
- Navigate to the vacancy announcement section, select your preferred position, and fill out the application form, providing all required details.
- Upload all necessary document,s including certificates, transcripts, national ID copy, certificate of good conduct, and any other required documentation.
- Review your application thoroughly before final submission to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
After you submit your application, it will undergo an extensive shortlisting process. KEMRI reviews applications based on the stated requirements and selects candidates who best meet the criteria. If you are selected, you will be contacted for the next steps of the recruitment process, which typically involves an interview and verification of submitted documents.
KEMRI Internship Deadlines
KEMRI typically announces internship opportunities at different times throughout the year based on organizational needs and funding availability. The February 2025 cycle had a strict deadline of 25th February 2025 by 5.00 p.m. For future opportunities, kindly pay close attention to the KEMRI careers portal or even their social media accounts, mainly Twitter, for official communications.
Tips for a Successful Application
To stand out from the rest of the candidates, the following tips might be invaluable to you:
- Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues
- Ensure all documents are clear, legible scans
- Double-check that your qualifications match the specific requirements for your chosen position
- Complete all sections of the application form
- Use a professional email address for communication
Conclusion
If you are looking for a KEMRI internship opportunity, the program offers excellent exposure to Kenya’s premier health research environment across multiple locations and specializations. The application process requires careful attention to detail, strict adherence to requirements, and timely submission through the official e-recruitment portal.
While the February 2025 application cycle has closed, KEMRI announces new internship opportunities yearly. Continue to regularly monitor the KEMRI careers portal for any news concerning new opportunities. All the best.
