Questions to Ask the Interviewer (2026): 20 Smart Questions for Kenya

When the panel asks "Do you have any questions for us?", ask two or three thoughtful questions about the role, what success looks like, the team and the next steps. Never say "no questions": it can signal low interest. Save detailed salary and leave questions for the offer stage unless the panel raises them.

Why this question matters

It is often the last impression you leave. Good questions show that you:

• Have researched the organisation
• Are thinking about doing the job well, not just getting it
• Are deciding whether the job suits you too

20 questions you can ask

About the role

1. What would a typical week look like in this role?
2. What are the most important priorities for the first three months?
3. What does success look like in this role after one year?
4. What are the biggest challenges someone in this role will face?
5. Is this a new position, or am I replacing someone?

About the team and manager

1. Who would I report to, and how does the team work together?
2. How does the team share work and communicate across offices or counties?
3. How would you describe the management style here?
4. Which other departments would I work with most closely?

About growth and learning

1. What training or development is available for this role?
2. How is performance reviewed, and how often?
3. Where have people in this role grown to within the organisation?

About the organisation

1. What are the organisation's main priorities for the coming year?
2. How has the recent [project, expansion or change you read about] affected this team?
3. What do you enjoy most about working here?

About the process

1. What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
2. When do you expect to make a decision?
3. Is there anything about my background you would like me to clarify?

For public service and NGO roles

1. How does this role contribute to the institution's or county's strategic plan?
2. Which programmes or donors would this position mainly support?

How to choose your questions

• Pick two or three, not all twenty. Have a few spare in case some are answered during the interview.
• Listen during the interview. If they already explained the reporting line, do not ask again. Instead, build on it.
• Make one question specific to something you researched or heard in the interview.

Example (fictional)

You mentioned that the team is rolling out a new reporting system next quarter. What would you expect from the person in this role during that rollout?

Question 18 is especially useful: it gives you a chance to address any doubts before you leave.

Questions to avoid in a first interview

Salary can be discussed if the panel raises it. See how to answer salary expectations, and our salary negotiation guide for the offer stage.

Panel and phone interviews

In a panel interview, you may only be given time for one or two questions. Ask the most important first. Public service panels sometimes have limited time and may not invite questions at all; that is normal.

In a phone or video interview, write your questions on your notes page so you do not forget them.

Close well

After your questions, thank the panel and confirm your interest:

Thank you for your time. From what I have heard today, I am even more interested in this role, and I look forward to hearing about the next steps.

Then send a short thank-you email within a day. When you unlock an application on KaziMatch, you also get interview preparation built around that job and your real experience. Start with a free fit check.