Checks worth running

• Identity verification (ID, passport)

• Employment history and reference checks

• Academic qualification verification

• Criminal record checks (where legally permissible)

• Professional license verification (for regulated roles)

• Credit checks (only for finance-sensitive roles and with consent)

Legal and ethical rules

• Always obtain written consent from the candidate.

• Limit checks to what’s relevant for the role.

• Keep data secure and share findings only with authorized decision-makers.

• Follow Kenya’s Data Protection Act when storing or processing personal data.

Practical tips

• Use standard verification wording in job ads and application forms.

• Document every check and the source of the verification.

• Treat adverse findings fairly — give candidates a chance to explain.

Choosing a provider
If you outsource checks, use a reputable vendor with clear processes and local knowledge. Ensure they operate within Kenyan law and provide auditable evidence.