The Public Service Commission (PSC) interviews candidates for jobs in ministries and state departments. Its own guidance says the selection criteria come from the job advert and from constitutional requirements, and that shortlisted candidates face oral interviews that are competency based, with at least one formal interview for every post.
That tells you how to prepare: study the advert line by line, and get ready to show evidence for each requirement with real examples from your work.
What a Competency-Based Interview Means
In a competency-based interview, the panel asks you to describe what you actually did in past situations, then scores your answer against the competencies in the advert. Generic answers score poorly. A simple way to structure answers is: the situation, what you were asked to do, the action you personally took, and the result, with numbers where you have them.
Practice Questions
Take us through how your experience meets the requirements of this position.
Go through the advert requirements in order: qualifications, years of experience, and each duty listed. For each, give one concrete example. Panels mark against the advert, so mirror its wording.
The Constitution sets leadership and integrity standards for public officers. How have you applied them in your work?
Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act apply to public officers. Give an example of handling a conflict of interest, refusing an improper request, or protecting public resources.
Describe a time you delivered a project with limited resources.
Use situation, task, action, result. Name the budget or staff constraint and the measurable outcome.
How would you make sure services in your department reach marginalised groups?
Article 232 of the Constitution lists values of public service, including responsive, equitable and inclusive service. Tie your answer to a specific service and practical steps.
Tell us about a disagreement with a colleague or supervisor and how you resolved it.
Show that you stayed professional, used facts and followed procedure. Avoid blaming the other person.
What are the main challenges facing this ministry or state department right now, and how would this role help?
Read the ministry’s strategic plan and recent press statements before the interview. Pick one or two challenges that relate directly to the post.
How do you set and track targets for yourself or your team?
Public servants sign performance contracts and appraisals. Explain how you break targets down and report progress.
Do you have any questions for the panel?
Ask one thoughtful question about the role’s priorities in its first year. Avoid asking about salary at this stage; the advert usually states the grade.
Documents to Carry
For senior PSC interviews in 2026, shortlisted candidates were asked to bring originals of their national ID, academic and professional certificates and transcripts, testimonials, and clearances from KRA, EACC, HELB, a registered credit reference bureau and the DCI (police clearance certificate), plus CUE recognition for foreign degrees and a copy of their CV. Requirements differ by post, so follow your invitation letter exactly. Start the clearances as soon as you apply, because some take time.
These are practice questions we built from the official criteria above. They are not leaked or official interview questions, and real panels may ask different ones. Never pay anyone who offers “the actual questions” or a guaranteed slot: report it to DCI on 0800 722 203.
See the government recruitment tracker for open rounds and set up free job alerts.
Before the interview, get your documents in order with the clearance certificates helper.