Magembe is a Molecular Biologist at the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Nairobi, Kenya. He uses new breeding tools to develop potato varieties resistant or tolerant to late blight, bacterial wilt and PVY diseases.

Before joining CIP, Magembe was a Research Fellow at the Biosciences Easter and Central Africa (BecA) Hub in Kenya under the African Biosciences Challenge Fund. This competitive grant enabled him to conduct research at the world-class research facilities at BecA. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nairobi with post-doctorate training at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).