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There comes a point in every business where your hustle, your late nights, and your multitasking are no longer enough. That point is called growth. And growth demands people.
Hiring your first team is not just about bringing in help—it’s about laying the foundation for a structured, scalable business. If you’re reading this, it likely means you’ve hit that transition. Congratulations! Now here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Decide What to Hire For First
Start with the roles that free up your time from operational chaos so you can focus on growth. The most common and useful starting roles include:
- Administrator / Office Assistant – Handles calls, records, filing, invoicing, and follow-ups.
- Customer Service or Sales Support – Especially if client relations are central to your business.
- Bookkeeper / Accountant (Outsourced) – To keep your finances in check and prepare for taxes.
- Marketing Assistant (Optional) – If online marketing is key to your growth, this can be an early hire or outsourced role.
Tip: Don’t rush to hire a full team. Start lean. One or two key hires can transform how you run your business.
Step 2: Where to Find the Right People
You don’t need a fancy HR department to recruit well. Here’s where to look:
- Your Personal and Professional Networks – Start by asking people you trust. Referrals often bring loyal, value-aligned candidates.
- LinkedIn – Great for professional roles like accountants, marketers, or consultants.
- BrighterMonday – Popular platform in Kenya for recruiting entry-level to mid-level staff.
- University Job Boards – Great for interns or part-time assistants.
- WhatsApp Business Groups – Many niche professional groups now help match talent to opportunities.
- Siran Business Solutions – If you’re not sure how to begin, we help businesses recruit their first hires with clarity and structure.
Step 3: Tips for Smart Hiring
Hiring in Kenya isn’t just about getting a CV and setting a salary. You must think legally, strategically, and culturally. Here’s how:
- ✅ Ensure Legal Compliance: Register your staff for:
- NSSF (National Social Security Fund)
- NHIF / SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund – new changes apply)
- PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) if salaries exceed the tax threshold
- ✅ Start with Internship or Contract: Not sure about a full hire yet? Start with:
- Internship (3–6 months, with a stipend)
- Probation contract (typically 3 months)
- ✅ Outsource Where Possible: Don’t feel pressure to hire for every role.
- Bookkeeping, legal, HR, and even digital marketing can be outsourced to professionals on a part-time or project basis.
- For example, use a consultant accountant one day a week or an outsourced HR firm for hiring.
- ✅ Write Clear Job Descriptions: Be clear on tasks, expectations, and values. Kenyan workers often thrive with clear boundaries and defined roles.
- ✅ Culture Matters: Look for attitude, willingness to learn, and alignment with your business ethos. Skills can be taught—character cannot.
Step 4: Onboard Your First Hires
A common mistake among Kenyan SMEs is assuming new hires will figure it out. Don’t just hire—onboard.
- Show them how you do things
- Set clear working hours, reporting systems, and goals
- Use simple tools like Google Sheets for tracking work, or Trello for task management
- Have regular check-ins, even if it’s once a week
Step 5: Let Siran Guide Your Growth
At Siran, we work with founder-led businesses across Kenya that are ready to grow—but need structure. Hiring your first employee is a major milestone. We help you:
At Siran, we work with founder-led businesses across Kenya that are ready to grow—but need structure. Hiring your first employee is a major milestone. We help you:
- Identify what roles to hire
- Set up compliant employment contracts
- Create processes for managing people
- Connect you to trusted professionals if you want to start by outsourcing
We understand how overwhelming hiring can be—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Your business deserves a team. Let’s build it right.
Final Word:
Hiring is more than a checkbox—it’s the beginning of your transformation from founder to leader. Take it step by step. Build a team that reflects your vision. And remember, even giants start with a first hire.