Security guard interview questions in Kenya, with sample answers

Security firms interview many people for every post. They are looking for three things: that you are honest, that you stay alert, and that you stay calm when something goes wrong. Here are the questions that come up most, with answers you can adapt.

Why do you want to work in security?

Give a real reason and connect it to the job. "I like being responsible for people's safety, and I am disciplined about routines. I want to grow into a supervisor role with a firm that trains its staff." Avoid saying it is the only job you could find.

What would you do if you found someone on the site who should not be there?

Show you follow procedure and stay safe: approach politely, ask who they are and why they are there, check with the person they claim to be visiting, keep them at the gate if you cannot confirm, call your supervisor or the response team if they refuse, and record everything in the occurrence book. Do not use force unless it is the only way to protect someone.

How do you stay alert on a night shift?

Talk about patrolling on a schedule, checking in by phone or radio, keeping lights and equipment working, resting properly before the shift, and never sleeping on duty. Employers ask this because a sleeping guard is their biggest risk.

A visitor is angry and refuses to be searched. What do you do?

Stay calm and polite, explain that the search is the rule for everyone, offer to call a supervisor, and do not let them in without the check. Never argue or get physical. Record what happened.

What would you do if a colleague asked you to let something leave the site without a gate pass?

Say no, clearly, and report it. Employers ask this to test your honesty. A guard who can be persuaded is a risk they will not take.

How do you write an incident report?

Say what happened, when and where, who was involved, what you did and who you told, in plain words, as soon as possible after the incident. Show that you understand the occurrence book is an official record.

Why should we hire you?

Bring it together: your training and registration, your experience with their kind of site, and your record. "I am PSRA registered, trained in first aid and fire safety, and I have guarded a busy hospital gate for three years without a disciplinary issue."

What should you bring to the interview?

Your ID, certificate of good conduct, school and training certificates, Guard Force Number if you have one, and a clean copy of your CV. Our guide to writing a security guard CV helps you prepare it.