Interview Questions and Answers in Kenya: 12 Common Questions (2026)

The most common interview questions in Kenya are "tell me about yourself", "why do you want this job", "what are your strengths and weaknesses", "why should we hire you" and "what are your salary expectations". Prepare a short, specific answer to each, and use the STAR method for questions about past experience.

Below are 12 questions you are likely to face, what the panel is really asking, and how to build your answer.

The STAR method

For any question that starts "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give an example of...", use STAR:

• S – Situation: set the scene in one or two sentences.
• T – Task: what were you responsible for?
• A – Action: what did you do? This should be the longest part.
• R – Result: what happened? Use a number if you can.

STAR keeps answers focused and stops you rambling. Aim for about one to two minutes per answer.

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1. "Tell me about yourself."

What they want: a short professional summary that shows why you fit this job. Not your life story.

How to answer: Present, past, future.

• Present: your current role and main strength.
• Past: one or two experiences that led you here.
• Future: why you want this role.

I am an accountant with five years of experience, currently at a manufacturing company where I lead monthly reporting and tax compliance. Before that I worked in audit, which gave me a strong eye for controls. I am now looking to take on a senior role in a growing organisation, which is why this position appeals to me.

Leave out your home village, family and hobbies unless asked.

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

What they want: proof that you researched them and are not applying everywhere blindly.

How to answer: mention something specific: their products, mission, growth, a recent project, or values. Link it to your skills or goals.

3. "Why should we hire you?"

What they want: a confident summary of how you meet their top needs.

How to answer: pick the three biggest requirements from the advert and match each with evidence.

You need someone who can run tenders under PPADA, manage contracts and work with auditors. I have done all three for six years at a county government. I ran 25 tenders last year on schedule, and our procurement files had no adverse audit findings.

4. "What are your strengths?"

How to answer: choose two or three strengths that matter for this job, and give a short example for each. "I am hardworking" without proof carries little weight.

5. "What is your greatest weakness?"

What they want: self-awareness and a plan to improve.

How to answer: name a real but non-critical weakness, then show what you are doing about it.

I used to find it hard to delegate, so I did too much myself. Over the last year I started assigning clear tasks to junior staff and checking in weekly. Our team now finishes reports faster and I have more time for analysis.

Avoid fake weaknesses like "I am a perfectionist" or "I work too hard".

6. "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work." (STAR)

S: At my last job, our biggest client threatened to leave after three late deliveries. T: I was asked to fix the relationship. A: I met their procurement team, mapped where the delays came from, and set up a weekly delivery schedule with our warehouse. I also sent them a short status update every Friday. R: Deliveries were on time for the next six months, and the client renewed their contract.

7. "Describe a time you worked in a team." (STAR)

Pick an example where you contributed something specific: organising, solving a disagreement, or covering a gap. Say "I" for your actions, not only "we".

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

What they want: ambition that fits the organisation, and a sign you will stay.

How to answer: talk about growing your skills and responsibilities in this field. Avoid "in your seat" or "running my own business" unless the role is entrepreneurial.

9. "Why are you leaving your current job?" or "Why did you leave?"

How to answer: stay positive. Focus on what you are moving towards: growth, new challenges, a better fit. Never criticise a former employer, even if you had problems there.

If your contract ended or you were declared redundant, say so simply and move on to what you learned.

10. "What are your salary expectations?"

What they want: to check you fit their budget.

How to answer:

1. Research first. Look at similar adverts, ask people in the field, and check whether the role has a published scale or job group.
2. Give a range in KES, monthly, and say whether it is gross or net.

Based on the responsibilities and the market for similar roles, I am looking at a gross monthly salary of between KES 120,000 and KES 140,000. I am open to discussing the full package.

1. Make the bottom of your range a figure you would genuinely accept.

For government jobs, salary is usually fixed by job group or grade, so you may simply confirm you accept the advertised scale. Read our full guide on salary negotiation in Kenya.

11. "How do you handle pressure or tight deadlines?"

Give a STAR example of a real deadline: month-end close, exam period, audit visit, product launch, a busy ward shift. Show how you prioritised and stayed calm.

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

Always say yes. Good questions show interest:

• What would success look like in the first six months?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?
• How is performance reviewed?
• What are the next steps in the process?

Avoid asking about leave days or salary in a first interview unless they raise it.

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Questions common in Kenyan public sector interviews

Panels for government, county and parastatal jobs often also ask:

• What do you know about this organisation's mandate?
• What do you understand by Chapter Six of the Constitution?
• How would you handle a conflict of interest?
• What are the values and principles of public service?
• Questions on laws for your field, such as the PFM Act or PPADA.

Also bring your original certificates and ID. Some panels check them on the spot. See government job applications in Kenya.

Practical interview tips

• Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Plan for traffic.
• Dress one level smarter than the job's daily dress code.
• Carry copies of your CV, certificates and a pen.
• Switch your phone to silent.
• For online interviews: test your connection, camera and bundles beforehand, and pick a quiet spot with good light.
• Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours.

Prepare with your own experience

The best answers come from your real work. Before the interview, list five stories from your career that show results, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and handling pressure. Most questions can be answered with one of them.

When you unlock an application on KaziMatch, you also get interview preparation built around that specific job and your real experience. Start with a free fit check, or browse jobs to find your next interview.