Astronomer
Research scientist studying celestial bodies and the universe — stars, planets, galaxies, cosmology. In Kenya — with growing interest in space science (Kenya Space Agency, SKA telescope) and science education — astronomers contribute to research, education and public engagement.
- AI exposure
- 70 of 100, high exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 15%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- Yes
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Time to senior
- 12 years
A day in the role
Analyses telescope data from an observation run — identifying and characterising stars. Runs computer simulations of galaxy formation. Teaches an astrophysics lecture to undergraduate students. Plans an observation schedule for a telescope. Participates in an SKA Africa collaboration meeting. Engages in public outreach — presenting a planetarium show. Prepares a research paper on stellar evolution.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 45,000-90,000
- Mid
- KES 110,000-250,000
- Senior
- KES 280,000-650,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 92% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
Named task by task
Already automated
- AI-powered telescope data analysis and object classification
- Automated exoplanet detection from transit data
- AI-assisted galaxy morphology classification
- Generating astronomical catalogues from survey data
Still human
- Conducting astronomical research — studying stars, planets, galaxies, cosmology using observational and theoretical methods
- Analysing telescope data — processing and interpreting data from optical, radio, and space telescopes
- Conducting observational astronomy — planning observations, operating telescopes, collecting data
- Conducting theoretical astronomy — modelling stellar evolution, galaxy formation, cosmological processes
- Teaching astronomy and physics — teaching at universities, developing curriculum, supervising students
- Engaging in public outreach — planetarium shows, public lectures, media engagement on astronomy
- Participating in international collaborations — working with international observatories and space agencies
- Contributing to space science — supporting Kenya Space Agency initiatives, satellite programmes
Task counts
- Displacing
- Minimal — astronomy requires research, theoretical work and teaching.
- Augmenting
- AI data analysis and object classification improve research efficiency.
Sources
Behind the rating- Kenya Space Agency
- SKA Africa project
- Kenya space science education landscape
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
BSc Physics + MSc/PhD Astronomy (international)
10-14 yearsVery high cost
BSc Physics (Kenya) plus MSc and PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics (typically international — South Africa, UK, US)
Who hires
- Kenya Space Agency (KSA)
- Universities (UoN, JKUAT, Technical University of Kenya)
- National Museums of Kenya (Planetarium)
- SKA Africa (Square Kilometre Array)
Common misconceptions
Astronomy is just looking at stars
Astronomy involves physics, mathematics, computer science, data analysis and instrumentation — studying the universe requires rigorous scientific methods and advanced technology.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Growth outlook
- Net demand change
- +10%
- Over
- 2026-2028
- Drivers
- Kenya Space Agency development,SKA project participation,Space science education growth,Satellite programme expansion
- Headwinds
- Very few positions in Kenya,No dedicated astronomy programme,Limited observatory infrastructure
What to learn
- AI-powered astronomical data analysis
- Big data processing for sky surveys
- Machine learning for exoplanet and galaxy classification
- Space weather and near-Earth object monitoring
Kenyan market notes
Astronomy is an emerging research discipline in Kenya with growing opportunities. Key context: Kenya is developing its space science capacity — Kenya Space Agency (KSA) established in 2017, Kenya's first satellite (1KUNS-PF) launched in 2018, and participation in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project — the world's largest radio telescope, with components in South Africa and other African countries (Kenya is a partner country). Key institutions: KSA (Kenya Space Agency — space policy, satellite programmes, capacity building), universities (UoN, JKUAT, Technical University of Kenya — physics departments with some astronomy/astrophysics teaching), National Museums of Kenya (planetarium — public outreach), SKA Africa (regional radio astronomy project — potential for Kenyan participation). Key challenges: no dedicated astronomy programme in Kenyan universities (students study physics then specialise abroad), very few astronomy positions in Kenya, limited observatory infrastructure (no major telescope — closest is in South Africa), and limited research funding. Growing opportunities: KSA is building capacity, SKA project may create opportunities for Kenyan scientists, and growing interest in space science education. Salary: entry KES 45,000-90,000 (research assistant or teaching assistant), mid KES 110,000-250,000 (research scientist or lecturer), senior KES 280,000-650,000+ (senior researcher or KSA position). International astronomy positions (observatories, space agencies) pay significantly more.
Further reading
This role is rated 70 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.