Finding good employees is one of the most critical tasks for any business owner. Whether you run a restaurant in Nairobi, a tech startup in Kilimani, or a construction company in Kisumu, the right employees can elevate your business—while the wrong ones can set you back significantly.
In today’s competitive job market, attracting, identifying, and retaining top talent requires a structured approach. Here’s a practical guide for Kenyan employers looking to build winning teams.
🔑 Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Clearly define what a “good employee” looks like for your business.
- Build a compelling employer brand and advertise in the right places.
- Leverage employee referrals and professional recruitment agencies like Stellar HR Solutions.
- Conduct structured interviews and test for both soft and hard skills.
- Don’t ignore onboarding—how you start determines long-term success.
1. Define What “Good” Means for Your Business
A good employee isn’t just someone with a great CV. They should align with your company’s values, possess the right skills, and fit in with your team culture. Think beyond qualifications—look for traits like reliability, integrity, problem-solving, and willingness to learn.
✅ Tip: Create a “top performer” profile by studying your best employees. What traits do they share?
2. Write a Clear, Honest Job Description
A well-written job description attracts the right candidates and repels the wrong ones. Be clear about the responsibilities, expected outcomes, working hours, salary range, and work culture. Avoid vague or generic terms.
âś… Include: Job title, duties, qualifications, reporting lines, and location.
3. Use the Right Recruitment Channels
Where you post your job ad determines who applies. Here are top options for Kenyan employers:
- LinkedIn: Ideal for professionals and technical roles.
- StellarHR Solutions, Fuzu, Jobs in Kenya: Great for a wide range of roles.
- WhatsApp groups: Especially useful in hospitality and blue-collar sectors.
- Referrals: Tap into your team’s networks—they often know someone reliable.
- Recruitment agencies: Partnering with a credible firm like Stellar HR Solutions gives you access to a vetted pool of candidates, saving you time and money.
4. Leverage Employee Referrals
Current employees can help you find people who match your company culture. Consider introducing a referral bonus for successful hires to encourage participation.
🔍 Note: Referrals often have higher retention rates than other hires.
5. Screen Applications Thoroughly
Don’t just skim CVs. Look for relevant experience, achievements (not just duties), gaps in employment, and job-hopping patterns. A quick call before scheduling interviews can help you confirm their interest and availability.
âś… Use a scoring system to rate CVs objectively.
6. Conduct Structured Interviews
Unstructured interviews often rely on gut feeling. A structured approach ensures fairness and consistency. Prepare a set of questions that assess:
- Job-specific skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Attitude and work ethic
- Communication and teamwork
âś… Tip: Use real-life scenarios or role-plays for frontline or customer service roles.
7. Test for Skills (When Applicable)
Before you hire, ensure they can actually do the job. Ask them to complete a task relevant to the role:
- A writing test for content creators
- A mock sales pitch for sales reps
- A spreadsheet task for finance roles
- A cooking demo for chefs
🎯 Pro tip: Skills tests reduce bias and improve hiring accuracy.
8. Check References
Take time to verify previous employers or referees. Ask about the candidate’s performance, reliability, and ability to work in a team.
✅ Be specific in your questions. Example: “How did they handle deadlines under pressure?”
9. Onboard Properly
Even the best hire can fail without proper onboarding. Introduce them to the team, provide training, and set clear performance expectations within the first week.
🔍 Note: Effective onboarding boosts retention by over 80%.
10. Partner with a Recruitment Expert
If recruitment is draining your time or you’ve made a few costly hiring mistakes, it may be time to bring in professionals.
Stellar HR Solutions specializes in recruitment for Kenyan SMEs across sectors like hospitality, tech, construction, and retail. From crafting job descriptions to shortlisting and interviews, they help you find employees who don’t just fit the job—but grow with your company.
Final Thoughts
Hiring good employees is not just about luck—it’s about process. By defining what you need, advertising smartly, screening thoroughly, and onboarding well, you’ll build a stronger, more committed team.
If you’re short on time or need help getting recruitment right, Stellar HR Solutions is your trusted partner. Let us help you build a team that takes your business to the next level.
