Job interviews in Kenya follow broadly similar patterns whether you are applying to an NGO in Westlands, a bank on Moi Avenue or a tech startup in Karen. Hiring managers are trying to answer one question: is this the right person for this role? This guide covers the questions you will almost certainly be asked — and how to answer each one in a way that gets you to the next round.

1. "Tell me about yourself."

This is almost always the opening question — and most candidates waste it by reciting their CV. The interviewer has already read your CV. What they want is a concise, compelling narrative.

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Use the Present–Past–Future structure: where you are now, what experience brought you here, and why you want this specific role. Keep it to 90 seconds.

Example: "I am currently a customer service supervisor at a mid-sized logistics firm where I manage a team of eight. Before that I spent three years in retail banking at Equity Bank, which gave me a strong foundation in customer relationship management. I am drawn to this role because it combines both of those worlds — and I am keen to bring that experience to a company with the reach yours has."

2. "What are your strengths?"

Choose two or three strengths that are directly relevant to the job description. Vague answers like 'I am a hard worker' add nothing. Use a real example to prove each strength.

  • Pick strengths the job actually requires — check the job description carefully
  • Back every strength with a specific example from your work history
  • Avoid clichés: 'team player', 'perfectionist', 'passionate' — every candidate says these
  • Quantify where you can: 'I led a project that reduced processing time by 30%'

3. "What is your greatest weakness?"

This is not a trick question — it is a test of self-awareness. Saying 'I work too hard' is a non-answer and interviewers see through it instantly. Pick a genuine weakness and show what you are actively doing to address it.

Example: "I used to struggle with delegating — I tended to hold on to tasks to make sure they were done to the standard I expected. I recognised this was limiting both my team and my own productivity, so I started using structured handover briefs and weekly check-ins. It has made a real difference and my team has grown significantly as a result."

4. "Why do you want to work here?"

This is where preparation separates strong candidates from weak ones. Research the company thoroughly before the interview — their recent news, their products or services, their values. Generic answers like 'you are a great company with growth opportunities' tell the interviewer nothing.

  • Name a specific project, product or initiative the company is working on
  • Reference a company value that genuinely resonates with your own career goals
  • Mention something you cannot get at your current employer
  • Show that you have thought about how you can contribute — not just what you will get

5. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Employers ask this to gauge ambition, stability and whether your goals align with the role. You do not need a precise five-year plan — but you should show direction and commitment.

Example: "In five years I see myself in a senior role where I am leading projects and mentoring junior staff. I want to deepen my expertise in supply chain management and ideally earn my CIPS qualification along the way. I see this role as the right foundation to build toward that."

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Do not say 'I want your job' (even as a joke) and do not mention starting your own business — both raise red flags for hiring managers.

6. "Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you handled it."

This is a behavioural question. Use the STAR method to structure your answer: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

  1. 1Situation: set the scene briefly — what was the context?
  2. 2Task: what was your specific responsibility or challenge?
  3. 3Action: what did YOU do? (Use 'I', not 'we')
  4. 4Result: what was the outcome? Quantify if possible

Prepare at least three STAR stories before any interview. They can be adapted to answer most behavioural questions.

7. "Why are you leaving your current job?"

Never speak negatively about your current or previous employer — even if your reason for leaving is entirely justified. Reframe your answer around growth, new challenges and what you are moving toward, not what you are escaping from.

  • Focus on growth: 'I have learnt a great deal in my current role but I am ready for a bigger challenge'
  • Focus on alignment: 'This role aligns more closely with the direction I want my career to take'
  • If you were made redundant: say so honestly — redundancy carries no stigma
  • Never say: 'My boss was difficult', 'The pay was too low' or 'There was no room to grow' (even if true)

8. "What are your salary expectations?"

Research the market rate before the interview. Resources like BrighterMonday, LinkedIn Salary, and industry associations can give you a benchmark for your sector and experience level in Kenya.

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Give a range rather than a single number, and anchor the bottom of your range at the minimum you would accept. Example: 'Based on my experience and research into the market, I am looking at something in the range of KSH 120,000 to 150,000 — but I am open to discussing the full package including benefits.'

9. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Always have questions ready — saying 'no, I think you have covered everything' signals low interest. Ask about the team, the challenges of the role, what success looks like in the first 90 days, or the company's growth plans.

  • 'What does success look like in this role after the first six months?'
  • 'What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?'
  • 'How would you describe the culture of the team?'
  • 'What are the growth opportunities from this position?'
  • Avoid: questions about salary, leave days or remote work in the first interview

Quick Preparation Checklist

  1. 1Research the company thoroughly — website, LinkedIn, recent news
  2. 2Re-read the job description and match your experience to each requirement
  3. 3Prepare 3–5 STAR stories from your work history
  4. 4Prepare 3 questions to ask the interviewer
  5. 5Know your salary expectation and be ready to justify it
  6. 6Dress one level above the company's standard dress code
  7. 7Arrive 10–15 minutes early — never late, never more than 20 minutes early

The best interview preparation is practice. Find a friend or colleague to run through your answers aloud — it makes a significant difference to your confidence on the day. Browse the latest job listings on Sokify and take the next step in your career.