You’re dressed smart, CV polished, and ready for that interview. But as you walk in, your mind races: “Do I offer a handshake? What if they don’t want to?” It’s a small moment with big pressure, especially in our Kenyan job market.
This common dilemma doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s break down the best, practical advice for navigating this situation in Kenya today, so you can walk in with confidence, not confusion.
The Golden Rule: Read the Room and Be Ready to Adapt
The key is to be prepared for both scenarios. Your default should be to offer a confident, firm handshake, but be ready to pivot instantly if the interviewer seems hesitant or offers an elbow bump instead. This shows respect and awareness, which are highly valued in Kenyan professional settings.
When a Handshake is Definitely Expected
In most formal corporate interviews in Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu, a handshake is the standard professional greeting. If the interviewer extends their hand first, respond with a firm (not crushing) grip, make brief eye contact, and smile. A weak or overly sweaty handshake can create a poor first impression before you even sit down.
The New Normal: Post-Pandemic Considerations
Since the pandemic, many companies have kept more cautious policies. If you see a hand sanitiser station at the reception, like those common at offices in Westlands or Upper Hill, it’s a subtle cue. It’s perfectly acceptable now to initiate with a slight nod and a verbal “Good morning,” then follow the interviewer’s lead. Carrying a small sanitiser in your bag, available from Naivas or QuickMart for around KES 150, is also a smart move.
Beyond the Handshake: Cultural Nuances and Non-Verbal Cues
While the handshake question is important, Kenyans are very perceptive to the entire greeting ritual. Your posture, eye contact, and even how you handle your documents matter. Your greeting starts the moment you enter the building, not just when you meet the interviewer. Be polite to the receptionist and security guard; word often gets back.
Here are key non-verbal signals to master:
- The Respectful Nod: If a handshake isn’t initiated, combine a slight nod with a warm, clear verbal greeting like “Shikamoo” to an older interviewer or a simple “Good afternoon.” This shows respect without physical contact.
- Manage Your Items: Before you even reach the interviewer, have your CV ready in a neat folder. Fumbling with your phone, handbag, or a dripping umbrella during the rainy season makes a clumsy first impression.
- A Kenyan-Specific Tip: In more traditional settings or with older panelists, slightly lowering your eyes after initial contact can be seen as a sign of respect, whereas very intense, unbroken eye contact might be perceived as confrontational. Read the room and adjust accordingly.
Cost and Availability in Kenya
Preparing for this part of your interview costs almost nothing, but a small investment in presentation can boost your confidence. The main “costs” are time for practice and a few essential items to ensure you look and feel prepared, no matter the greeting style.
| Item / Service | Estimated Cost (KES) | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Travel-sized Hand Sanitiser | 100 – 250 | Any supermarket (Naivas, QuickMart, Carrefour) or pharmacy (Goodlife, Medicare). |
| Professional A4 Document Folder | 200 – 600 | Textbook Centre, bookshops in town, or stationery shops in major towns. |
| Mock Interview Practice (with a friend) | Free – 500* | Free with a prepared friend. Some community hubs or youth empowerment centres offer low-cost sessions. |
| Dry Cleaning for Interview Outfit | 300 – 800 | Local dry cleaners; prices are often lower in estates compared to Nairobi CBD. |
*Cost may be for transport or a small thank-you token. The core advice on handshake etiquette is freely available online, but applying it through practice is key.
Mistakes to Avoid
The Overly Aggressive Grip
Some candidates, especially when nervous, offer a bone-crushing handshake thinking it shows confidence. In reality, it’s uncomfortable and off-putting. Aim for a firm, brief grip that matches the interviewer’s pressure, then release.
Forgetting About Your Left Hand
In Kenyan culture, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean for greetings. Even if you are left-handed, always use your right hand for a handshake. Also, avoid having your phone, pen, or papers in your right hand as you enter the room.
Ignoring Clear Non-Verbal Cues
If the interviewer steps back, keeps their hands at their sides, or is behind a clear desk barrier, forcing a handshake is a major error. They might be health-conscious. Take the cue and offer a warm verbal greeting with a smile instead.
Being Thrown Off and Losing Composure
The biggest mistake is letting an unexpected greeting (or lack of one) fluster you for the rest of the interview. If you extend a hand and it’s not taken, smoothly transition the motion into a gesture towards your chair or simply place your hand back at your side. Don’t dwell on it.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the handshake question is about showing respect and professional awareness. Your goal isn’t to perform a perfect greeting ritual, but to demonstrate that you are adaptable, observant, and respectful of the interviewer’s space and company culture. This small moment sets the tone for the entire conversation.
So, go into your next interview prepared for both scenarios. Practice your confident handshake with a friend, but also rehearse a polite verbal greeting. Then, focus your energy on the substance of your answers and selling your skills, because that’s what will truly land you the job. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Interview Tips: To Shake Hands with the Interviewer or Not? in Kenya
What if I have a sweaty palm from nerves before the handshake?
This is very common, especially in our climate. Keep a small pack of tissues or a handkerchief in your pocket to discreetly dry your hand just before you enter the interview room.
You can also subtly wipe your hand on your trousers or skirt as you stand up to greet the interviewer. The key is to be quick and not make a big show of it.
Is the elbow bump now an acceptable alternative in Kenya?
Yes, the elbow bump became widely recognised during the pandemic and remains a common, friendly alternative. It is perfectly fine to initiate one if the interviewer seems open to it.
However, let the interviewer lead. If they extend a hand, match it. If they offer an elbow, go with that. It shows you are adaptable to the situation.
Should I shake hands with everyone on a panel interview?
Yes, if handshakes are being exchanged, you should greet each panelist. Start with the person who introduces themselves first or who is closest to you, and move around the table politely.
If it’s a large panel of more than five people, a general respectful nod and verbal greeting to the table as a whole is also acceptable to avoid a long, awkward procession.
What is a respectful alternative if I have a cold or cough?
If you are unwell, it is responsible to avoid physical contact. As you greet the interviewer, you can simply say, “Good morning, please excuse me for not shaking hands, I’m getting over a slight cold.”
This shows consideration for their health and will be appreciated. It is far better than spreading germs, which would create a very poor impression.
How do I handle greetings in very traditional Kenyan companies or government offices?
In such settings, err on the side of formality and respect. A handshake is usually expected, but be slightly more reserved. Using respectful titles like “Mr.” or “Madam” and a polite “Shikamoo” to much older panelists is wise.
Observe the environment closely. If the atmosphere is very formal and hierarchical, let the senior-most person initiate any contact and follow their lead completely.
