Epidemiologist

Investigates a malaria outbreak in Western Kenya, analyses surveillance data in R, designs a case-control study, presents findings to the Ministry of Health, and writes an outbreak report.

To enter epidemiology in Kenya, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology or a related field like Public Health or Biostatistics from universities such as the University of Nairobi (UoN), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), or Moi University. A master’s degree in Epidemiology (MPH Epidemiology) is often required for most roles; KU and JKUAT offer specialized programs. After graduation, entry-level positions include disease surveillance officers at the Ministry of Health or county health departments. Internships with organizations like KEMRI, CDC Kenya, or the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) provide essential field experience.

An epidemiologist in Kenya typically starts as a field epidemiologist or surveillance officer, progressing to senior epidemiologist leading outbreak investigations within 5 years. Specializations in infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, or health informatics open doors to roles like county disease surveillance coordinator. With 10 years, you can become a program manager at the national level (e.g., Ministry of Health’s Disease Surveillance and Response Unit) or a research fellow at KEMRI, with salaries rising from Ksh 70,000 to over 250,000 monthly. Many pursue PhDs to lead academic research at institutions like UoN or International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE).

Kenya’s epidemiology market is centred on public health surveillance and disease control, driven by recurring outbreaks (e.g., cholera, Rift Valley fever) and a high burden of HIV, TB, and malaria. The Ministry of Health at national and county levels is the largest employer, with key units like the Division of Disease Surveillance and Response. Major research employers include KEMRI, CDC Kenya, and APHRC, concentrated in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Kilifi. Growth is fueled by health system strengthening after COVID-19, increased funding from global health initiatives (e.g., PEPFAR, Global Fund), and the adoption of digital health surveillance tools like DHIS2.

A mid-level epidemiologist at a county health department in Nairobi begins the day reviewing notification reports from health facilities and checking the DHIS2 dashboard for unusual disease patterns. By mid-morning, you might visit a clinic in Kibera to investigate a suspected measles cluster, collecting blood samples and conducting interviews. Afternoons involve analysing lab results in Excel or Stata, drafting a weekly bulletin, and holding a conference call with the national Rapid Response Team. The day ends with updating the outbreak database and planning a community awareness campaign for the next day.

Epidemiology is critical — Kenya faces malaria, TB, HIV and emerging infections. CDC Kenya has a large epidemiology programme. KEMRI conducts research. Ministry of Health has surveillance units. COVID-19 highlighted need for epidemiologists. UoN and JKUAT offer MSc Epidemiology. Salary: entry KES 55,000-100,000, mid KES 120,000-250,000, senior KES 300,000-650,000+ (CDC and WHO pay significantly more).