Questions and answers
The questions people ask us most. If yours isn’t here, ask us on WhatsApp.
For job seekers
Yes. We are a licensed private employment agency, NEA Reg. No. [to be confirmed]. You can visit us on the 3rd floor, [Building name], [Town].
Employers pay our fees. Before anything starts, you are told exactly what you pay, and every job page lists it item by item.
It depends on the job and the country. [Typical timelines to be confirmed.]
Each job page lists the documents it needs. We help you with documents, medical and visa once you are shortlisted.
Yes. Apply on WhatsApp or with the form from anywhere in Kenya.
Working abroad
Read the full pageNo. Applying, interviews and being shortlisted are free. For employer-paid roles we charge you nothing at all.
Yes. Apply on WhatsApp or with the form from anywhere in Kenya. Interviews can be by video.
It depends on the job and the country. [Typical timelines to be confirmed.] We give you an honest estimate when you are shortlisted.
Yes. Apply for the job, and start your passport application on eCitizen now, because it can take time.
Each job lists the language it needs. Many roles need conversational English.
Call or WhatsApp the office. We follow up with your employer and help you find the right support.
Documents and visas
Read the full page[Current processing time to be confirmed.] Apply on eCitizen as early as you can.
Renew it before you apply. Most of our jobs need a passport valid for at least two years.
We explain the result and your options with you. You won’t be charged by us.
No. Work visas follow a real job offer. Anyone selling a visa without a job is not offering a real visa.
It depends on the country. We tell you when you are shortlisted.
Pre-departure and support
Read the full pageWe brief everyone we place before they travel. It covers things you need to know before you sign in at work.
Yes. Your family can call or WhatsApp the office.
Contact us straight away. We follow up with the employer and help you find the right support, including the Kenyan embassy or consulate.
Yes. Tell us a few months before it ends.
How to check a job offer
Read the full pageAsk them for the job reference, then call or WhatsApp us, or visit the office. We tell you if the job is ours.
You may pay official costs, such as a passport, directly to the government with a receipt. Paying a person to secure a job is a warning sign.
Stop paying, keep all messages and receipts, and contact us. Report fraud to the police.
For students
Study abroad
Read the full page[Study destinations to be confirmed by Urban Careers.] Ask us about the country you have in mind.
It depends on the country, the institution and the course. We give you a full estimate of tuition, living costs and fees for your shortlist before you apply.
Most institutions in English-speaking countries ask for an English test. Many accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT or the Duolingo English Test, but not all accept all three, so we check what your institution and visa route accept.
It depends on the country and your visa conditions, which change. We explain the current rules for your destination from official sources.
Ideally several months before your intake, because tests, applications and visas all take time. [Recommended lead time to be confirmed.]
We help you find scholarships you qualify for and prepare strong applications. They are competitive, so we never promise one.
Test preparation
Read the full pageThe one your institution or visa route accepts. Many accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT or the Duolingo English Test, but not all, so we check first.
It depends on your current level and your target. The free diagnostic tells us how far you are. [Typical course lengths to be confirmed.]
[Class formats and schedules to be confirmed by Urban Careers.]
We help you choose a date and register with the official test provider. [Booking arrangements to be confirmed.]
IELTS preparation
Read the full pageAcademic is usually for university study; General Training for work and migration. Your institution or visa route decides.
Most institutions accept results up to two years old. Check with yours.
IELTS offers a One Skill Retake for some test versions. [Availability in Kenya to be confirmed.]
Test dates are set by the British Council and IDP. We help you pick one that leaves time to prepare.
TOEFL iBT preparation
Read the full pageBoth are widely accepted. Choose the one your universities accept and that suits you. We can help you compare with a diagnostic.
Yes, ETS offers an at-home edition with strict computer and room requirements.
Scores are reported by ETS. [Current score scale to be confirmed after the 2026 update.]
Duolingo English Test
Read the full pageNo. Many institutions accept it, but some don’t, and some visa routes need a different test. We check your list first.
About an hour, taken online from home.
Usually within two days.
SAT preparation
Read the full pageNo. Many are test-optional. Check each university’s policy; a strong score can still help with admissions and scholarships.
No. The SAT is now digital, taken on a device at a test centre.
Two sections, each scored 200 to 800, for a total of 400 to 1600.
For employers
It depends on the role and the number of people you need. [Typical time to a shortlist to be confirmed.]
One fee, agreed up front: per hire, per project or retained. Ask for a quote for your roles.
Yes. For international placements we handle documents and visas, and our HR consulting covers contracts.
Kenya, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Germany and Canada.
On per-hire roles, we replace them within 90 days of the start date at no extra fee.
Local recruitment
Read the full pageIt depends on the role and how many people you need. [Typical time to a shortlist to be confirmed.] We give you a date when we take the brief, and we tell you straight away if it changes.
One fee per hire, agreed before we start and invoiced on the start date. Ask for a quote for your roles.
If they leave within 90 days of the start date, we find a replacement at no extra fee.
Yes. We contact previous employers and check IDs, certificates and the certificate of good conduct before you meet a candidate.
Yes. We recruit for roles across Kenya, and candidates can apply from any county.
No. Candidates are never charged for our employer-paid roles.
International placement
Read the full pageKenya, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Germany and Canada.
It depends on the country, the role and the number of people. [Typical timelines to be confirmed.] We agree a plan with dates when we accept the job order.
Yes. We arrange the venue, schedule candidates and run trade tests on the day. Video interviews work too.
Where the destination requires attested certificates, we guide each worker through it. [Details per country to be confirmed.]
[Replacement terms for international placements to be confirmed.]
No. Candidates are never charged for our employer-paid roles.
Executive search
Read the full pageIt depends on the role and the market. [Typical search length to be confirmed.] We agree a timeline when we start, with regular updates.
We approach candidates without naming you, and share your name only when a candidate is serious and you agree.
A retained fee paid in three instalments. Ask for a quote for your role.
Yes. Confidential replacements are one of the main reasons employers use a retained search.
Staffing and outsourcing
Read the full pageUrban Careers. The workers are on our payroll and contracts, and we make every statutory deduction.
It depends on the numbers and roles. [Typical start time to be confirmed.]
[Transfer terms to be confirmed by Urban Careers.]
Tell your Urban Careers contact and we arrange cover. [Replacement time to be confirmed.]
HR consulting
Read the full pageYes. Most of our HR projects are for employers with fewer than 50 staff.
We write them in line with the Employment Act 2007 and current statutory requirements. For legal disputes, we refer you to an employment lawyer.
After a short review we agree a fixed scope and price in writing.
Every project ends with a short handover session. Longer training can be added to the scope.