Phlebotomists
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
What this career actually involves
Key tasks
- Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies
- Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles,…
Skills and strengths
- Clear communication
- Listening
- Close visual accuracy
- Steady hands
Typical work environment
Work environment varies by employer; may combine office, field, client-site and practical settings
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 → Medical Laboratory Science → required clinical/practical training → entry health role → Phlebotomists → specialist/supervisory pathway
Typical training route
Diploma/Level 6, TVET or specialist professional/technical training
Representative KUCCPS pathway
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE)
Entry requirements
Degree mean grade C+. Minimum subjects include Biology C+ and Chemistry C+; Mathematics/Physics and language requirements also apply. Diploma routes usually specify English/Kiswahili, maths/science minimums.
Training duration
Degree: about 4 years; diploma: about 3 years
Helpful KCSE subjects
Related courses
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Laboratory Sciences
Institutions offering this route
Examples, not an exhaustive list.
- Kenyatta University
- JKUAT
- Masinde Muliro University
- Kenya Methodist University
- KMTC and other approved institutions
Professional regulator
Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
Demand and the effect of AI
Kenya demand
High - essential service sector with persistent need for trained health professionals; demand varies by cadre and public/private hiring cycles.
Future outlook / AI impact
Stable-to-strong / AI-assisted — AI will support diagnostics, records, triage and decision support, but human care, physical procedures, accountability and professional licensing keep the role strongly human-led.
Possible specialisations
- Certified Phlebotomist
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Clinical Phlebotomist
- Collections Technician
- Lab Liaison Technician
Medical laboratory professionals must be registered/licensed by KMLTTB.
Could this career suit you?
May suit you if you enjoy helping people, science and careful practical work; useful strengths include Clear communication, Listening, 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 31-9097.00. Kenya pathway: KUCCPS / regulator. Last verified 24 August 2026.
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