In Kenya, the ratio between the employed and the unemployed remains wide, creating significant opportunities for those seeking careers in medical research and healthcare. From time to time, many organizations, including the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), advertise for various job positions to bridge this employment gap. For those looking forward to joining KEMRI as an employee, understanding the comprehensive compensation structure is crucial to your career success and financial planning.
While KEMRI has not published official detailed salary scales for 2025, as a state-owned corporation, its compensation structure follows the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) job group framework. According to the latest SRC guidelines for 2025, civil servants across different job groups receive basic salaries ranging from KES 11,553 for entry-level positions to over KES 169,140 for senior officials. You can examine the complete SRC Job Groups 2025 structure to better understand how civil servants earn across Kenya’s public sector in 2025.
What is KEMRI?
As its name suggests, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is Kenya’s premier medical research institute, established in 1979 under the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act. The institute was created to promote Kenya’s health policies through rigorous research and scientific approaches across various medical disciplines, including infectious and parasitic diseases, public health, reproductive health, and non-communicable diseases.
KEMRI serves as the Government’s dedicated research entity for medical science, playing a crucial role in shaping national health policies while providing expert guidance to the Ministry of Health on diverse healthcare matters and medical service delivery.
The institute operates multiple research centers across Kenya, including facilities in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kilifi, and other strategic locations.
KEMRI Salary Scales 2025
Since KEMRI operates as a government-owned institution in Kenya, all its employees are classified as civil servants. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission of Kenya (SRC) sets and reviews these civil servant salaries as mandated by Article 230(4) of the Kenyan Constitution, 2010. This regulatory framework ensures standardized compensation across all state corporations while maintaining equity and transparency.
The job groups for KEMRI employees depend on their seniority, qualifications, and specific roles within the organization. Generally, KEMRI job groups range from MR/14, which encompasses leadership positions such as Chief Finance Officers and Chief Legal Officers, down to MR/5 for employees in junior positions, including nursing officers and technical support staff.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of KEMRI job groups and their corresponding roles:
| Job Group | Role |
|---|---|
| MR/14 | Chief Finance Officer, Chief Legal Officer |
| MR/12 | Research Scientist |
| MR/11 | Research Officer |
| MR/10 | Assistant Research Officer |
| MR/7/8 | Laboratory Technologist |
| MR/5 | Senior Nursing Officer |
KEMRI Salary Ranges by Position
According to PayScale data for 2025, the average salary for Kenya Medical Research Institute employees in Kenya is KSh 642,809 annually, though individual salaries vary significantly based on position, experience, and location.
| No. | Job Title | Total Pay Range (Ksh) | Base Pay (Ksh) | Additional Pay (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intern | 20K – 25K | 25K | 0 |
| 2 | Internship | 20K – 25K | 25K | 0 |
| 3 | Research Assistant | 78K – 122K | 81K | 0 |
| 4 | Research Scientist | 25K – 132K | 130K | 0 |
| 5 | Research Officer | 69K – 180K | 80K | 0 |
| 6 | Research Scientist (Senior) | 132K – 175K | 150K | 25K |
| 7 | Research Assistant (Senior) | 83K – 100K | 84K | 0 |
| 8 | Laboratory Assistant | 24K – 24K | 24K | 0 |
| 9 | Driver | 30K – 54K | 42K | 0 |
| 10 | Lab Technician | 40K – 100K | 70K | 0 |
| 11 | Health Records Officer | 45K – 55K | 50K | 0 |
| 12 | Senior Research Officer | 257K – 279K | 269K | 0 |
| 13 | Public Health Practitioner | 87K – 93K | 90K | 0 |
| 14 | Lab Technician (Senior) | 57K – 62K | 60K | 0 |
| 15 | Research Scientist (Principal) | 145K – 156K | 150K | 0 |
| 16 | Clinical Data Manager | 105K – 113K | 110K | 0 |
| 17 | Study Nurse | 91K – 99K | 96K | 0 |
| 18 | Laboratory Analyst | 16K – 17K | 17K | 0 |
| 19 | Pharmacist | 96K – 104K | 100K | 0 |
| 20 | Bio Statistician | 24K – 26K | 25K | 0 |
| 21 | Clinical Officer | 75K – 130K | 102K | 0 |
| 22 | Director | 771K – 829K | 800K | 0 |
KEMRI Allowances
In addition to competitive basic salaries, KEMRI employees receive various allowances that significantly enhance their overall compensation package. These allowances are designed to cover specific expenses and contribute to a comfortable standard of living while working in medical research. The comprehensive allowance structure includes:
- House Allowance: This allowance varies based on your job group and duty station location. According to SRC guidelines, government employees receive housing allowances that can range from KES 3,000 to KES 25,000 monthly, depending on the job group classification. Urban postings typically attract higher housing allowances compared to rural assignments.
- Commuter Allowance: This allowance helps employees manage daily commuting costs. The amount typically ranges from KES 3,000 to KES 15,000 monthly, depending on your job group and the distance between your residence and workplace.
- Leave Allowance: This allowance ensures employees can take well-deserved breaks and maintain work-life balance. It typically equals one month’s basic salary and is paid annually before the leave period.
- Medical Allowance: Given KEMRI’s focus on health research, the institute provides comprehensive medical allowances covering employee healthcare needs. This includes coverage for outpatient services, inpatient care, and specialized medical treatments.
- Research Field Allowances: Employees involved in field research receive additional allowances to cover expenses related to data collection, community engagement, and extended stays in research sites. These allowances vary based on the location and duration of field work.
- Responsibility Allowances: Senior positions and those with supervisory responsibilities receive additional allowances reflecting their expanded duties and decision-making responsibilities.
- Special Institution Allowance: Employees working in special institutions are entitled to special allowances, and those with disabilities receive additional disability allowances as part of the government’s inclusive employment policies.
KEMRI Recruitment 2025
For those looking for KEMRI jobs in 2025, you will be glad to know that the organization usually advertises jobs from time to time through the KEMRI Career portal. If you are looking to apply for its positions, ensure that you meet the requirements of the specified Jobs listed and then proceed with the application process. Some of the advertised Posions as of the writing of the article are as follows:
| No. | Position | Location | Posting Date | Number of Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study Coordinator | Kajiado | 01 April | 1 |
| 2 | Research Assistant | Kajiado County | 01 April | 4 |
| 3 | Study Administrator | Kisumu | 01 April | 2 |
| 4 | Community Tracker | Kisumu | 01 April | 3 |
| 5 | Community Liaison Officer | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 6 | Laboratory Technologist | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 7 | Cleaner/Messenger | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 8 | Data Clerk | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 9 | Data Manager | Kisumu | 01 April | 2 |
| 10 | Study Nurse | Kisumu | 01 April | 2 |
| 11 | Pharmaceutical Technologist | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 12 | Registered Clinical Officer | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 13 | Medical Officer | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 14 | Receptionist | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 15 | Logistics/Administration Intern | Migori | 01 April | 1 |
| 16 | Logistics/Administration Intern | Kisumu | 01 April | 1 |
| 17 | Driver | Kisumu | 24 March | 2 |
| 18 | Driver | Isiolo | 24 March | 1 |
To apply for any of the above positions:
- Visit the KEMRI Career section on its website or the KEMRI Recruitment portal. Here, you will find various Job Positions Posted.
- Click on the Job Position that suits you best and review its description. Here, you will understand what is needed from you and whether you qualify to apply for the Job.
- If you meet the requirements, proceed and register on the eRecruitment.kemri.go.ke (KEMRI Recruitment Portal)
- Fill in the registration form by providing your details
- Once in your accounts Dashboard, fill in the Job Application form and proceed with the rest of the prompts to submit
FAQs
How much do Research Scientists earn at KEMRI?
Research Scientists at KEMRI can earn monthly salaries ranging from KES 25,000 to KES 132,000, with senior positions potentially earning between KES 132,000 and KES 175,000 monthly, depending on experience and specialization.
What ministry does KEMRI operate under?
Ministry of Health
Who is the current Director-General of KEMRI?
Prof. Sam Kariuki
How much do interns earn at KEMRI?
Interns at KEMRI receive monthly stipends ranging from KES 20,000 to KES 25,000, or approximately KES 240,000 to KES 300,000 annually, which includes basic allowances
Final Word
This article has shed light on how much KEMRI employees make in Kenya. As we have seen, the Research Institute offers a compelling combination of competitive salaries, allowances, and benefits, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about medical research in Kenya.
If Medical research is your thing, friend, consider KEMRI and be ready to contribute to groundbreaking research and positively impact public health. You Can visit the KEMRI career portal to look for active Job Vacancies posted
All the Best
