Chemical Technicians
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes,…
What this career actually involves
Key tasks
- Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or…
- Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment
Skills and strengths
- Scientific reasoning
- Reading comprehension
- Close visual accuracy
- Clear writing
Typical work environment
Workshop/Factory; Client sites; Plant/equipment areas; Hands-on practical setting
Employment type
Public sector; NGO/Development sector
Study routes from KCSE onward
Kenya-specific pathways, drawn from KUCCPS and the relevant professional regulator.
Pathway after KCSE
KCSE → Chemistry → laboratory/field research experience → graduate/assistant role → Chemical Technicians → specialist/research lead; postgraduate study may help
Typical training route
Diploma/Level 6, TVET or specialist professional/technical training
Representative KUCCPS pathway
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (ANALYTICAL/INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY) - representative route
Entry requirements
Representative analytical chemistry minimums include Mathematics A C, Physics C and Chemistry C+.
Training duration
Degree: about 4 years
Helpful KCSE subjects
Related courses
- Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Forensic Science
- Chemical Technology
Institutions offering this route
Examples, not an exhaustive list.
- Kisii University
- University of Embu
- Murang'a University of Technology
- other KUCCPS science institutions
Professional regulator
No single statutory professional regulator identified for this general title
Demand and the effect of AI
Kenya demand
Medium / Specialist - valuable technical field, but research/specialist openings are fewer than general business or service roles.
Future outlook / AI impact
Growing in selected specialisms / AI-augmented — AI accelerates modelling, literature review and data analysis, while experimental design, fieldwork, validation and scientific judgement remain critical.
Possible specialisations
- Analysis Tester
- Analytical Lab Technician
- Analytical Technician
- Assayer
- Bleach Analyst
Industrial/laboratory roles may also value quality, safety and instrumentation certifications.
Could this career suit you?
May suit you if the day-to-day work interests you and you are willing to build the required practical skills; useful strengths include Scientific reasoning, Reading comprehension, Close visual accuracy.
Weighing this against something else?
Put them side by side on subjects, entry requirements, duration and outlook.
Related careers
Roles that share skills, subjects or study routes with this one.
Sources
Occupation data: O*NET 19-4031.00. Kenya pathway: KUCCPS / regulator. Last verified 24 August 2026.
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