Career advice · Updated October 2026

20 Common Interview Questions in Kenya and How to Answer Them

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Most interview questions in Kenya follow a predictable pattern, whether you face a single manager at a start-up in Westlands or a five-person panel at a county public service board. If you prepare answers to the questions below, you will walk in calmer and give clearer, more specific answers than most candidates.

How interviews in Kenya usually work

Private companies often run one or two rounds: a phone or video screen, then a face-to-face or panel interview. NGOs and international organisations commonly add a written test or case study. Public service and county jobs are typically panel interviews with scored questions, and you will be asked to bring original certificates and clearance documents. Read our guide to government job applications if you are going for a public role.

Use the STAR method for experience questions

For any question that starts with “Tell us about a time when”, structure your answer as STAR:

• Situation: the context in one or two sentences.
• Task: what you were responsible for.
• Action: what you did, step by step.
• Result: the outcome, ideally with a number, and what you learned.

Prepare four or five STAR stories in advance: a success, a conflict, a mistake, a time you led, and a time you worked under pressure. Most behavioural questions can be answered with one of them.

Common opening questions

1. Tell us about yourself.

Give a two-minute professional summary: your current role, your strongest relevant experience, one achievement, and why you are applying. Do not start with where you were born or your primary school.

2. What do you know about our organisation?

Mention what they do, who they serve and something recent, such as a new branch, product or programme. Then connect it to your skills.

3. Why do you want this job?

Link the role to your experience and your career direction. Avoid answers about needing money or being tired of your current employer.

4. Why are you leaving your current job?

Stay positive: growth, a bigger scope or a new sector. Never criticise a former employer in an interview.

Competency and behavioural questions

1. Tell us about a time you solved a difficult problem at work.
2. Describe a conflict with a colleague and how you handled it.
3. Give an example of a time you missed a deadline. What happened?
4. Tell us about a time you led a team or project.
5. How do you prioritise when you have several urgent tasks?
6. Describe a time you had to learn a new system quickly.

Use STAR for each, keep answers under two minutes and finish with the result.

Technical and role-specific questions

Expect questions that test the skills in the advert. Accountants may be asked how they handle PAYE, VAT or reconciliations; it helps to understand how PAYE works in Kenya. Sales candidates may be asked to sell a product on the spot. IT candidates often get a practical test. Re-read the job description and list five technical topics you could be asked about.

Questions about you

1. What are your strengths? Choose two that match the job and back each with an example.
2. What is your greatest weakness? Pick a real but manageable weakness and explain what you are doing to improve it.
3. Where do you see yourself in five years? Show ambition that fits the organisation.
4. How do you handle pressure? Give a specific example.
5. What would your previous supervisor say about you? Answer honestly, because they may be your referee.

Salary and logistics questions

16. What are your salary expectations?

Research the market first, then give a gross monthly range. Before the interview, use our net-to-gross calculator to work out the gross salary that gives you the take-home pay you need. Our salary negotiation guide covers how to respond to a low offer.

1. When can you start? Be honest about your notice period. Many contracts require one month’s notice.
2. Are you willing to relocate or travel? Answer truthfully; county and field roles often require it.

Questions for public service interviews

1. How do you meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution? Panels want to know you can provide your KRA, HELB, CRB and DCI clearances and that you understand integrity in public office. See documents required for jobs in Kenya.

Your turn to ask

20. Do you have any questions for us?

Always ask one or two: “What would success look like in the first six months?” or “How is performance reviewed?” Avoid asking about leave or salary first.

What to bring and wear

• Copies of your CV and cover letter.
• Original certificates and copies, plus your national ID.
• Clearance certificates if requested.
• A pen and notebook.

Dress one level more formal than the job’s daily dress code. For video interviews, test your connection, camera and lighting the day before, and keep your phone on silent.

After the interview

Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours, restating your interest. If you have not heard back by the date they gave, a polite follow-up is fine.

Find your next interview on the latest jobs in Kenya page.

Key takeaways

• Prepare a two-minute answer to “tell us about yourself”.
• Build four or five STAR stories that you can adapt to most questions.
• Know your salary range in gross terms before you walk in.
• Research the organisation and prepare two questions to ask.
• Carry originals of your certificates and any clearances requested.

Frequently asked questions

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