In Kenya, the employment-to-unemployment ratio 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 2026, 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 2026, civil servants across different job groups receive basic salaries ranging from KES 11,553 for entry-level positions to over KES 185,690 for senior officials. You can examine the complete SRC Job Groups 2026 structure to better understand how civil servants earn across Kenya’s public sector in 2026.
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 Job Groups
Since KEMRI operates as a government-owned institution in Kenya, all its employees are classified as civil servants. 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.
The competition for these positions is intense, thanks to the high calibre of candidates KEMRI attracts and the critical nature of the work undertaken. Each role offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and impactful health solutions.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of KEMRI job groups and their corresponding roles:
| Job Group | Position |
|---|---|
| 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 Scales 2026
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.
According to data for 2026, 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. At KEMRI, salary scales vary significantly across different job roles. For instance, top-tier positions like a Senior Research Officer command a monthly salary ranging from KES 257,000 to KES 279,000. Conversely, entry-level roles such as interns receive monthly compensation between KES 20,000 and KES 25,000.
KEMRI Salary Ranges by Position
| No. | Position | Salary Range (KSh) | Average (KSh) | Allowances (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intern | 20K – 25K | 25K | 0 |
| 2 | Internship | 20K – 25K | 25K | 0 |
| 3 | Research Assistant | 78K – 122K | 81K | 0 |
| 4 | Research Scientist | 47K – 132K | 90K | 0 |
| 5 | Research Officer | 30K – 180K | 92K | 0 |
| 6 | Research Scientist (Senior) | 132K – 175K | 150K | 25K |
| 7 | Research Assistant (Senior) | 83K – 100K | 84K | 0 |
| 8 | Laboratory Assistant | 26K – 63K | 24K | 0 |
| 9 | Driver | 41K – 57K | 42K | 0 |
| 10 | Lab Technician | 50K – 100K | 70K | 0 |
| 11 | Health Records Officer | 56K – 67K | 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 | 51K – 90K | 17K | 0 |
| 19 | Pharmacist | 47K – 104K | 100K | 0 |
| 20 | Bio Statistician | 47K – 63K | 25K | 0 |
| 21 | Clinical Officer | 75K – 130K | 102K | 0 |
| 22 | Director | 771K – 829K | 800K | 0 |
Employment at KEMRI is offered through a one-year renewable contract, which includes an initial probationary period of three months. Salaries are negotiable and are determined based on the relevant KEMRI salary scale, taking into account the candidate’s educational background, experience, and proven expertise.
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 2026
For those looking for KEMRI jobs in 2026, 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 positions as of February 2026 are as follows:
| VACANCY NUMBER | POSITION | DESCRIPTION | VACANCY OPENING DATE | VACANCY CLOSING DATE | DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Administrator | February 2, 2026 | Job Description | |||
| EXPrESSIVE Clinical Trial | Medical Officer Information Communication Technology (ICT) Assistant Office assitant | January 26, 2026 | Job Description |
How to Apply for KEMRI Jobs
To apply for any of the above positions:
- Visit the KEMRI Career section on its website or the KEMRI Recruitment portal at erecruitment.kemri.go.ke:7070. 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
What is the salary in Kemri?
KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute) salaries vary significantly by position. Entry-level positions typically begin at approximately KES 75,000 monthly, while advanced roles can earn up to KES 130,000 per month. Research scientists earn between KES 47,272 and KES 90,250, research officers make KES 30,000 to KES 92,000, and laboratory technicians receive KES 50,000 to KES 85,000. Director positions command much higher salaries, ranging from KES 771,000 to KES 829,000 per month.
What is the salary increment for TSC 2025?
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) implemented significant salary increments effective July 1, 2025, as part of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Teachers received salary increases of up to 29.5%. The lowest-paid teacher (Grade B5) now earns KES 28,620 monthly, up from KES 23,830, while the highest-paid teacher (Grade D5) takes home between KES 135,321 and KES 167,415.
What is a level 7 salary in local government?
In local government, employees in job group CSG 7 receive a basic salary between KES 90,200 and KES 124,630 per month. In addition to basic pay, they receive various allowances including house allowance (KES 18,066 to KES 45,000), commuter allowance (KES 12,000), and leave allowance (KES 10,000 annually).
Does Kemri pay interns?
What is considered a good salary in Kenya?
While “good salary” is relative to individual circumstances and location, positions paying above KES 100,000 per month are generally considered well-compensated in Kenya. For civil servants, salaries above the CSG 7 level (KES 90,200-124,630) with allowances provide a comfortable living. Professional roles in banking, telecommunications, and technology typically offer higher compensation packages.
What is the Kemri hiring process like?
KEMRI offers employment through one-year renewable contracts with an initial three-month probationary period. Salaries are negotiable and determined based on the relevant KEMRI salary scale, considering the candidate’s educational background, experience, and proven expertise. Specific details about the interview and selection process are not publicly documented.
