Behavioural Economist
Applies psychological insights to economic decision-making. Studies how cognitive biases, social norms and emotional factors influence financial choices, consumer behaviour and policy outcomes. Designs behavioural experiments (RCTs, nudge interventions) and analyses data to inform policy on savings, tax compliance, health and development.
- AI exposure
- 32 of 100, low exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 40%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- Yes
- Freelance potential
- High
- Time to senior
- 8 years
- Adaptation level
- Moderate
A day in the role
Designs a field experiment to test savings behaviour among micro-entrepreneurs, analyses results from a previous trial, meets with policymakers about a nudge intervention for tax compliance, and drafts a policy brief.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 100,000-150,000
- Mid
- KES 200,000-350,000
- Senior
- KES 400,000-700,000
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 30% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside social sciences the mean is 41, across 88 careers.
What the rating is made of
Share of recorded tasks- Machine does it
- 10%Software can already complete this work end to end.
- Machine assists
- 35%A person still decides, but the drafting is done for them.
- Person does it
- 55%Judgement, relationships and accountability that do not transfer.
Named task by task
Already automated
- Analysing large-scale choice data and experimental results
- Generating behavioural experiment designs and survey instruments
- Producing policy brief drafts and research summaries
- Detecting bias patterns in transaction datasets
- Automating statistical analysis of RCT data
Still human
- Designing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and field experiments
- Interpreting findings in cultural and socio-economic context
- Advising policymakers on nudge interventions for tax, health, savings
- Conducting field experiments in communities and markets
- Writing research publications and policy recommendations
- Building relationships with government, NGOs and implementation partners
- Ensuring ethical standards in behavioural interventions
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Certificate in Marriage and Family TherapyKsh 36,000a year
- Certificate in Sciences of Human DevelopmentKsh 36,000a year
- Certificate in International RelationsKsh 36,500a year
- Certificate in Peace, Security and ConflictKsh 36,500a year
- Diploma in Development Studies and Project ManagementKsh 50,000a year
- Diploma in Peace and Conflict StudiesKsh 54,000a year
- Certificate in Development StudiesKsh 59,000a year
- Certificate in CriminologyKsh 60,000a year
How people get in
Economics degree + behavioural
4-6 yearsHigh cost
BA Economics from UoN, UoN or Strathmore, plus behavioural economics training
Economics postgrad
2-4 yearsHigh cost
MA or MSc Behavioural Economics
Who hires
- World Bank Kenya
- Central Bank of Kenya
- KIPPRA
- TWAWEZA
- University of Nairobi
Common misconceptions
Behavioural economics is just psychology
It applies rigorous economic modelling and experimental methods to understand how psychological factors shape economic decisions.
Nudges are manipulation
Ethical behavioural interventions are transparent, benefit the decision-maker and preserve choice — not covert manipulation.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Supply and demand
- Demand
- 40
- Supply pressure
- 10
- Balance
- High demand
What to learn
- Experimental design
- Behavioural data analysis
- Policy advisory
Kenyan market notes
Busara Center for Behavioral Economics in Nairobi is a major employer and research hub. World Bank Kenya and Central Bank of Kenya use behavioural insights. TWAWEZA applies behavioural approaches to development. Global average salary: $123,857/year (US, 2026). Junior: $55K-$85K, Mid: $70K-$110K, Senior: $116,500+. Growing field in Kenya with applications in financial inclusion (M-Pesa savings nudges), public health, tax compliance and education. Behavioural insights teams increasingly common in government and NGOs.
Further reading
This role is rated 32 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.