What Kenyan Employers Really Mean During Interviews
What Kenyan Employers Really Mean During Interviews
If you’re job hunting in Kenya, you’re probably wondering what Kenyan employers mean in interviews. The truth is, they rarely say exactly what they mean — and if you don’t know how to decode it, you’ll keep missing out on opportunities.
Let’s fix that.
At Silver Resources International (SRI) Ltd, we’ve sat on both sides of the table. We’ve recruited for companies and coached job seekers. And we’re here to decode what Kenyan employers are actually saying during interviews — so you stop guessing and start winning.
1. “Tell us about yourself.”
What they’re really asking:
“Can you package your career story in a way that makes sense for this job?”
The truth: They don’t care where you were born or your siblings’ names. They want to know how your background leads up to this role. If you ramble or start from nursery school, you’ve already lost them.
How to answer:
“I have 3 years’ experience in logistics, most recently with XYZ Ltd, where I led a team that reduced delivery time by 40%. I’m now looking to apply these skills in a more client-facing role like this one.”
2. “Why should we hire you?”
What they’re really asking:
“Do you understand the problem we’re trying to solve, and can you solve it better than the other candidates?”
The truth: Employers aren’t hiring you to help you grow. They want results. If you can’t explain how you’ll make their life easier, you’re not getting the job.
How to answer:
“You’re looking for someone to streamline your procurement process. I’ve done exactly that before — saving KES 1.2M in a year. I can help you cut costs and clean up your vendor records from Day 1.”
3. “What are your salary expectations?”
What they’re really asking:
“Do you know your market value or are you blindly guessing?”
The truth: If you ask too low, you look inexperienced. Too high, you risk pricing yourself out — unless you can justify it. Many Kenyan employers already have a figure in mind; they’re testing if you’re in the same range.
How to answer:
“Based on my experience and industry benchmarks, I’d expect between KES 70,000 and 90,000, depending on the full scope of responsibilities and benefits.”
4. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
What they’re really asking:
“Are you serious about growth, or will you quit in 6 months?”
The truth: Employers hate hiring people who will leave as soon as they find “a better offer.” Show ambition, but make it clear that you see their company as part of that journey.
How to answer:
“I see myself taking on more leadership in logistics and operations. I’m hoping to grow within a company like yours, where those opportunities exist.”
5. “Why did you leave your last job?”
What they’re really asking:
“Are you a liability or difficult to work with?”
The truth: Even if you were mistreated, speaking badly about your past employer is a red flag. Employers want to know if you’re stable, mature, and professional.
How to answer:
“I enjoyed the role but reached a ceiling for growth. I’m now looking for a new challenge where I can bring more impact.”
6. “Do you have any questions for us?”
What they’re really asking:
“Are you sharp enough to engage critically, or are you just desperate for any job?”
The truth: Saying “No, I’m okay” makes you look disengaged or unprepared. Employers want candidates who think long-term, ask about the team, company culture, or KPIs — not just salary.
What to ask:
- What does success in this role look like after 6 months?
- What are the team’s biggest challenges right now?
- How does the company support employee development?
Job interviews in Kenya are often more about reading between the lines than just answering questions. Employers may be formal, but make no mistake — they’re measuring:
- Your value-add (what you bring)
- Your emotional intelligence (how you behave under pressure)
- Your commercial awareness (do you understand the business?)
If you treat interviews like a polite Q&A session, you’ll keep losing out to people who treat them like business pitches.
🛠 Need Help?
At SRI Ltd, we help job seekers craft winning interview strategies, tailored CVs, and master professional negotiation.
📩 Get in touch with us today and let’s prepare you to walk in with confidence — and walk out with an offer.