Job interviews are a critical step in the employment process, not just for employers to assess candidates, but for job seekers to evaluate potential employers as well. In Kenya’s evolving job market—where job seekers often compete in a high-demand environment—being able to identify warning signs during an interview can help you avoid toxic workplaces, exploitative roles, or scam opportunities. Below are 10 major red flags to look out for during a job interview in Kenya.
1. Vague Job Descriptions and Responsibilities
If the interviewer cannot clearly explain what the role entails or gives a confusing response when asked about your key duties, this is a major red flag. Many job scams or exploitative employers use ambiguous descriptions to lure in desperate candidates, only to change the scope of work once you’re on board. A legitimate employer should provide a detailed job description, either in writing or verbally.
What to do: Ask for clarification and request the job description in writing if not already shared.
2. Unrealistic Promises of High Pay or Quick Promotions
In Kenya’s competitive market, it’s rare for reputable employers to promise six-figure salaries, car benefits, or overseas travel for entry-level or vaguely defined positions. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What to do: Cross-check average salaries on platforms like Fuzu, BrighterMonday, or Glassdoor for similar roles in Kenya before committing.
3. Pressure to Accept the Offer Immediately
Legitimate employers usually give you time to consider a job offer. If you’re being pressured during the interview to accept a role immediately, especially without a written contract or salary details, it could indicate desperation—or a scam.
What to do: Politely request a day or two to review the offer. A refusal or hesitation on their part is a clear red flag.
4. Requests for Money or ‘Training Fees’
No employer should ask you to pay any amount to get a job—not for application, interviews, or training. Yet, this remains one of the most common employment scams in Kenya, particularly in urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa.
What to do: Never pay money to secure a job. Report such cases to the police or platforms like the Kenya Employment Authority (NEA).
5. Unprofessional Interview Settings or Procedures
If your interview is conducted in a noisy café, someone’s personal home, or through poorly structured phone calls with no formal email communications, this could be a sign that the organization is either illegitimate or extremely unstructured.
What to do: Research the organization, check their website and physical office address. A reputable employer will have professional processes in place.
6. Negative Comments About Former Employees
If your interviewer constantly complains about former or current staff, blames them for failures, or makes snide remarks, this signals a potentially toxic work environment. Professional interviewers should focus on the role and your fit for it—not gossip.
What to do: Consider whether you’d want to work in such an environment. Ask about the company culture and values instead.
7. Evasive Responses About Compensation or Benefits
If the interviewer avoids discussing salary, benefits, leave days, or working hours—or tells you this will be discussed “after you’re hired”—be cautious. In Kenya’s market, where many roles are on short-term or contract basis, transparency is key.
What to do: Insist on understanding the full compensation package before accepting any offer.
8. Excessively Long Interview Processes With No End in Sight
Some companies drag out the interview process over months, scheduling multiple rounds with little feedback. While senior roles may justify longer processes, if you’re applying for junior or mid-level positions, this could be a sign of poor HR planning or even exploitation (e.g., trying to get free ideas from candidates).
What to do: Politely ask for timelines. If the process continues with no clear conclusion, consider moving on.
9. Inappropriate Questions or Discriminatory Remarks
Asking about your marital status, tribe, religion, age, or family plans during an interview is not only unprofessional, but in many cases, unlawful. Such questions are still too common in Kenya, particularly in small firms or informal organizations.
What to do: Redirect the question to your professional skills or simply say, “I prefer to focus on my qualifications for this role.”
10. Gut Feeling of Discomfort or Mistrust
Sometimes everything might seem fine on paper, but your instincts tell you something is off. Maybe the interviewer is rude, the office environment feels hostile, or the communication has been inconsistent.
What to do: Trust your instincts. It’s better to turn down a questionable opportunity than regret joining a toxic or fraudulent company.
