News
Service charter: find charges, requirements and turnaround times
The supplied 2023 charter is now available as a readable schedule and PDF, alongside matching fees in the service directory.
Government Chemist Department
Science for justice, health and public safety.
The Government Chemist Department is the Central Chemical Testing Laboratory for the Republic of Kenya. We provide forensic science and analytical laboratory services to the justice system, public health and the environment.
How can we help you?
Search services, forms, publications, news and answers to common questions.
Laboratory services
Choose an area of analysis to see its services, requirements and how to apply.
- Food, Drugs and Chemical AnalysisChemical analysis of food, drugs and industrial products or chemicals, including heavy metals and other inorganic tests.2 services
- Water and Effluent AnalysisChemical analysis of water samples and of effluent (waste water).2 services
- Microbiological AnalysisBacteriological analysis of food and water samples.1 service
- Forensic and Clinical ToxicologyAnalysis of clinical and post-mortem samples for poisons, alcohol and drugs of abuse.4 services
- Forensic DNA and SerologyDNA relationship testing, DNA analysis of challenging samples and skeletal remains, and presumptive tests on body fluids.3 services
- Services to the National Police ServiceAnalysis of exhibits submitted by the National Police Service and attendance at crime scenes with police officers, free of charge.2 services
- Research and Capacity BuildingResearch, surveys, technical advice and capacity building in forensic science, analytical services and chemical management.Details coming soon
- Chemical Weapons Convention and CBRN CoordinationKenya's National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention and national focal point for CBRN risk mitigation.Details coming soon
Inside the laboratory
Serving Kenya's justice, health and environment since 1912.
Set up in 1912, the Government Chemist provides forensic science and analytical laboratory services to the criminal justice, public and environmental health systems, from its headquarters in Nairobi and regional centres in Mombasa, Kisumu and Marsabit.
Read more about the departmentStay updated
News
Access Government Chemist services through eCitizen
Use the official Government Chemist eCitizen portal to access available services and submit applications.
Event
CBRN National Action Plan validation workshop
An archived partner event reviewing Kenya's draft Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear National Action Plan.
News
18 analysts designated to strengthen narcotics analysis
MyGov's March 2025 report records the designation of additional Government Chemist analysts to support work on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Guideline
Archived frequently asked questions (2024)
Service charter
Citizen Service Delivery Charter (2023)
News
Service charter: find charges, requirements and turnaround times
The supplied 2023 charter is now available as a readable schedule and PDF, alongside matching fees in the service directory.
News
Access Government Chemist services through eCitizen
Use the official Government Chemist eCitizen portal to access available services and submit applications.
News
18 analysts designated to strengthen narcotics analysis
MyGov's March 2025 report records the designation of additional Government Chemist analysts to support work on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Oct
16
2025
Past event
CBRN National Action Plan validation workshop
An archived partner event reviewing Kenya's draft Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear National Action Plan.
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
View eventHow to access a service
1
Read the service page
Check what the service covers and any requirements listed for it.
2
Apply
Apply online through eCitizen where the service is listed there, or as the service page directs.
3
Submit your sample
Bring or send the sample to the laboratory named on the service page.
4
Follow up
Keep your reference number. Use it to ask about progress or to track an enquiry on this website.
Common questions
What is the Government Chemist?
The Government Chemist is the Central Chemical Testing Laboratory for the Republic of Kenya. It provides forensic science and analytical laboratory services to the criminal justice system and to the public and environmental health systems.
Where are your laboratories?
The headquarters are in Nairobi, with regional centres in Mombasa, Kisumu and Marsabit. See laboratories and offices.
Which ministry is the department part of?
The Government Chemist is domiciled in the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Which laws give the department its mandate?
The mandate is derived from several Acts, including the Penal Code, the Evidence Act, the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act. See the laws behind our work.
Who does the department work with?
The department serves and supports a wide range of stakeholders, including IPOA, KRA, NACADA, NEMA, KDF, NPHL, EACC, KWS, KFS, KEBS and the National Police Service, as well as academic institutions, private sector agencies and the general public.