# Research institutes headquartered in Kenya
Tamtam tracks 28 research institutes headquartered in Kenya. This list ranks all of them by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta National Hospital. and Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Their median headcount is 693. Half of them were founded in 1995 or later. The most common headquarters are Nairobi (17).
The research institutes in Kenya listed here are primarily large organizations in higher education and research services, with a strong presence in healthcare and agriculture. Notable examples include Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), driving advancements in higher education, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), focused on health research. Kenyatta National Hospital is a major national referral and teaching hospital, while the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) conducts research to improve food security.
Most of these institutions are located in Nairobi, indicating a concentration of research activities in the capital. The founding dates range from 1910 for the National Museums of Kenya to 2013 for the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), showing a mix of well-established and more recently founded entities.
๐ฐ๐ช Kenya ยท 28 companies ยท Updated Nov 12, 2026
| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/jomo-kenyatta-university-of-agriculture-and-technology-jkuat) (jkuat.ac.ke)
Driving advancements in higher education, research, and innovation across Africa for the past 20 years | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 4,457 | 1981 |
| 2 | [Kenyatta National Hospital.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kenyatta-national-hospital) (knh.or.ke)
A leading national referral and teaching hospital in Kenya with a rich history, a wide range of medical services, and partnerships with educational institutions and research agencies | Hospitals and Health Care | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 4,242 | 1987 |
| 3 | [Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kenya-medical-research-institute-kemri) (kemri.go.ke)
A national research body in Kenya focused on health research, established to conduct scientific studies and promote innovation in the healthcare sector | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 3,645 | 1979 |
| 4 | [International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/international-livestock-research-institute-ilri) (ilri.org)
An organization conducting research on livestock to improve food security and alleviate poverty in developing countries through global partnerships | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 1,466 | 1995 |
| 5 | [KEMRI - Wellcome Trust](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kemri-wellcome-trust) (kemri-wellcome.org)
The company conducts research on malaria and infectious diseases, focusing on basic, epidemiological, and clinical studies to inform health policy | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Kilifi | 1,407 | 1989 |
| 6 | [The Technical University of Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-technical-university-of-kenya) (tukenya.ac.ke)
A leading technical university in Kenya, offering diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees to students in a variety of fields | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 1,279 | 1961 |
| 7 | [Egerton University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/egerton-university) (egerton.ac.ke)
A educational institution providing academic programs and resources for students to further their learning and knowledge in various fields | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Nakuru | 1,278 | 1939 |
| 8 | [Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kenya-agricultural-and-livestock-research-organization-kalro) (kalro.org)
A research institute under KALRO focusing on livestock diseases, vaccines, One Health, zoonoses, public health, and AMR among other subjects | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 1,102 | 2013 |
| 9 | [LVCT HEALTH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lvct-health) (lvcthealth.org)
Kenyan NGO providing integrated HIV services, SGBV programming, research, training, and capacity building to reduce HIV infections and promote community health | Non-profit Organizations | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 963 | 2001 |
| 10 | [ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/icipe-international-centre-of-insect-physiology-and-ecology) (icipe.org)
icipe conducts research on insect physiology and ecology to develop eco-friendly pest management strategies and improve health and agriculture in Africa | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 943 | 1970 |
| 11 | [Landscape Alliance \| CIFOR & ICRAF](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/landscape-alliance-cifor-and-icraf) (cifor-icraf.org)
A leading organization with over 75 years of experience in using trees and agroforestry to tackle global challenges such as climate change and food security | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 772 | |
| 12 | [CDC/KEMRI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cdc-kemri) (galotop1.com)
A prominent collaboration in Kenya conducting public health research, focusing on malaria prevention, treatment, and control with significant growth over 30 years | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Kisumu | 767 | 1979 |
| 13 | [AMPATH Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ampath-kenya) (ampathkenya.org)
The organization partners with academic health centers and ministries of health to improve healthcare, reduce disparities, build capacity, conduct research, and strengthen institutions in underserved communities in Kenya | Hospitals and Health Care | ๐ฐ๐ช Eldoret | 742 | 2001 |
| 14 | [National Museums of Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-museums-of-kenya-nairobi) (museums.or.ke)
A network of 22 museums, 9 sites & monuments, 8 World Heritage Sites, and 7 research/exhibition labs showcasing diverse cultural and historical collections | Museums | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 693 | 1910 |
| 15 | [University of Embu](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-embu) (embuni.ac.ke)
The company aims to advance higher education and research opportunities while playing a leading role in development and expansion | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Embu | 690 | 1947 |
| 16 | [World Agroforestry](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/world-agroforestry) (cifor-icraf.org)
A global research institution focused on harnessing the benefits of trees for sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, and environmental conservation across developing tropics | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 596 | 1978 |
| 17 | [Maasai Mara University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/maasai-mara-university) (mmarau.ac.ke)
A leading research university offering programs in natural resources, tourism, hospitality management, science, agriculture, and setting up various strategic projects | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Narok | 595 | 2008 |
| 18 | [National Museums of Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-museums-of-kenya) (or.ke)
A multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to preserving and presenting Kenya's cultural and natural heritage for knowledge, appreciation, and sustainable utilization | Museums & Institutions | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 572 | |
| 19 | [African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/african-population-and-health-research-center-aphrc) (aphrc.org)
An Africa-based research institution in Kenya focusing on population, health, education, and urbanization issues while developing African scholars and advocating for policy change | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 568 | 2001 |
| 20 | [Karatina University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/karatina-university) (karu.ac.ke)
A chartered public university offering a wide range of courses in various fields, emphasizing knowledge dissemination, research, innovation, and community outreach | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Karatina | 565 | 2008 |
| 21 | [Busitema University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/busitema-university) (busitema.ac.ug)
Busitema University in Eastern Uganda offers a range of degree programs across six faculties, including Health Sciences, Engineering, and Agriculture | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Busitema | 553 | 2007 |
| 22 | [Kisii University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kisii-university) (kisiiuniversity.ac.ke)
A leading public institution in South-Western Kenya, Kisii University aims to provide high-quality education, research, and consultancy services while promoting societal welfare | Education Administration Programs | ๐ฐ๐ช Kisii | 526 | 2013 |
| 23 | [Kenya Forestry Research Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kenya-forestry-research-institute) (kefri.org)
A state agency in Kenya, KEFRI leads in addressing forestry and environmental challenges through research and innovative solutions | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Kiambu | 475 | 1986 |
| 24 | [Murang'a University of Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/murang-a-university-of-technology) (mut.ac.ke)
An educational institution focused on providing technology-related programs and opportunities in Murang'a, working towards empowering students for future success | Higher Education | ๐ฐ๐ช Murang'a | 468 | 2011 |
| 25 | [Busara](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/busara) (busara.global)
A nonprofit organization in Nairobi using social science to address development challenges through research, advisory services, and collaborations worldwide | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 426 | 2012 |
| 26 | [KIRDI](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kirdi) (go.ke)
This national research institution conducts research, innovation, and development in various industrial and allied technologies, advises the government, and collaborates for technology advancement | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 332 | |
| 27 | [KIPPRA Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kippra-kenya) (kippra.or.ke)
An autonomous institute conducting public policy research to provide high-quality analysis, advice, and training to influence decision-making for national development | Think Tanks | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 185 | 1999 |
| 28 | [Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/partners-for-health-and-development-in-africa-phda) (phdaf.org)
A non-profit organization in Kenya focusing on health and development initiatives in Africa, with a strong history of STI and HIV research and programs | Research Services | ๐ฐ๐ช Nairobi | 184 | 2012 |
## How this list is built
Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
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- [Multinational companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-kenya) (150)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-kenya) (97)
- [Financial services firms in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-kenya) (84)
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- [Retail chains in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-kenya) (72)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-kenya) (64)
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- [Manufacturers in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-kenya) (55)
- [Hospitals and Health Care companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hospitals-and-health-care-companies-kenya) (43)
- [Healthcare providers in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-kenya) (39)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-kenya) (36)
- [Higher Education companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-kenya) (35)
- [Food and beverage companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-companies-kenya) (30)
- [Distributors and wholesalers in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-kenya) (30)
- [Government Administration companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/government-administration-companies-kenya) (27)
- [Non-profit Organizations companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/non-profit-organizations-companies-kenya) (26)
- [Education Administration Programs companies in Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-administration-programs-companies-kenya) (25)
## The same list elsewhere
- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-africa) (209)
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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-kenya