Entomologist
Research scientist studying insects — their biology, ecology, behaviour and interactions with humans. In Kenya — where insect-borne diseases (malaria, dengue, trypanosomiasis) and agricultural pests (fall armyworm, locusts) are major challenges — entomologists at KEMRI, ICIPE and KALRO conduct critical research.
- AI exposure
- 25 of 100, low exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 25%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- No
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Time to senior
- 12 years
A day in the role
Conducts mosquito surveillance in a malaria-endemic area — collecting and identifying vector species. Manages a mosquito insectary — maintaining colonies for insecticide resistance testing. Studies fall armyworm distribution in maize-growing areas. Tests a new biological control agent for crop pests. Identifies insect specimens using taxonomic keys and molecular methods. Supervises a graduate student's field research. Prepares a research paper on mosquito behaviour.
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 18% 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 insect identification from images
- Automated mosquito vector surveillance from trap data
- AI-assisted pest distribution modelling
- Generating insect biodiversity databases from field data
Still human
- Conducting medical entomology research — studying mosquito vectors (Anopheles, Aedes), tsetse flies, sandflies — behaviour, ecology, control
- Conducting agricultural entomology research — studying crop pests (fall armyworm, stem borers, locusts), pest management strategies
- Conducting ecological entomology — studying insect biodiversity, pollinator ecology, insect conservation
- Managing insectaries — maintaining mosquito colonies, fruit fly colonies for research
- Conducting field research — collecting insect samples, surveillance, population monitoring
- Developing pest control strategies — integrated pest management (IPM), biological control, insecticide resistance management
- Publishing research — writing scientific papers on entomology, presenting at conferences
- Advising on pest management — advising government, farmers and public health on insect-related issues
Task counts
- Displacing
- Minimal — entomology requires fieldwork, laboratory research and taxonomic expertise.
- Augmenting
- AI insect identification and distribution modelling improve efficiency.
Sources
Behind the rating- ICIPE research programmes
- KEMRI vector biology research
- KALRO pest management data
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 Zoology/Biology/Agriculture + MSc/PhD Entomology
10-14 yearsVery high cost
BSc Zoology, Biology or Agriculture plus MSc and PhD in Entomology — entry as research scientist
Who hires
- ICIPE (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology)
- KEMRI
- KALRO (Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization)
- Universities (UoN, Egerton, Kenyatta)
Common misconceptions
Entomologists just collect bugs
Entomology involves medical research (disease vectors), agricultural research (crop pests), ecology (biodiversity), genetics, molecular biology and pest management — a broad and impactful science discipline.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Growth outlook
- Net demand change
- +12%
- Over
- 2026-2028
- Drivers
- Vector-borne disease control,Agricultural pest management,Climate change affecting insect distributions,Pollinator decline concerns
- Headwinds
- Limited research funding,Fieldwork challenges,Brain drain
What to learn
- AI-powered insect identification and image analysis
- Molecular entomology and genomics
- Digital vector surveillance systems
- Climate change impact modelling on insect populations
Related careers
Kenyan market notes
Entomology is a critical research discipline in Kenya, bridging health and agriculture. Key context: Kenya faces major insect-related challenges — medical (malaria — Anopheles mosquitoes, dengue — Aedes mosquitoes, trypanosomiasis — tsetse flies, leishmaniasis — sandflies) and agricultural (fall armyworm — devastating maize pest since 2017, desert locusts — 2019-2021 upsurge, stem borers, aphids, fruit flies). ICIPE (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology) — headquartered in Nairobi, premier insect research institution in Africa, research on medical and agricultural entomology. KEMRI — medical entomology (vector biology, mosquito control). KALRO — agricultural entomology (crop pest management). Key research areas: vector control (insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, novel vector control), insecticide resistance monitoring, biological pest control (push-pull technology — ICIPE innovation), pollinator conservation, and insect biodiversity. Key challenges: limited research funding, fieldwork demands (remote areas, difficult conditions), and brain drain. Salary: entry KES 45,000-90,000 (research assistant), mid KES 110,000-250,000 (research scientist), senior KES 280,000-650,000+ (principal investigator). ICIPE and international-funded positions pay more than government scales.
Further reading
This role is rated 25 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.