On this year’s Labour Day celebrations, KESA took it upon itself to enlighten its members on how to access opportunities in the Big Four firms, KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, and EY.

At a time when unemployment continues to rise among fresh graduates, KESA is closing the gap between the classroom and the job market.

Through its Power Talk Series, KESA offered a timely and insightful webinar designed to provide practical guide on navigating the competitive Graduate Trainee programs at these global firms.

With hundreds of participants across member institutions, the event turned into a knowledge exchange space where experience met ambition.

For some, this was their first introduction to “The Big Four.” These global audit and consultancy giants, KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, and EY, are leaders in their fields, shaping economies and advising governments.

But as the speakers highlighted, firms like Grant Thornton and BDO also present strong graduate opportunities.

Speakers from KPMG, PwC, and Deloitte broke down their application and recruitment processes, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in these elite programs.

For KPMG, the application window is currently open, with the deadline set for 5th May 2025. Graduates from 2023 and those graduating in 2024 are eligible to apply.

The minimum requirement is a KCSE grade of B (with a focus on Maths and English) and a university degree of at least Second Class Upper Division

The Application Process

The journey begins with an online application where candidates submit basic details. Then comes the first filter: an aptitude test.

This 60-minute test assesses numerical reasoning, grammar, and emotional intelligence. It’s not just about raw calculations but also about managing time in solving a problem and communicating clearly.

Moving On to Group Assessments

Successful candidates move to the group assessment stage. Here, they’re placed in teams of 7-8 and given a business case study to solve. This stage evaluates teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to perform under constructive pressure.

Unit Briefings

Next, candidates attend a unit briefing session, where they learn about different departments, Audit, Tax, and Advisory. This interactive session helps applicants understand where their skills align best and clarifies the department they would like to join.

The Manager Interview

After the unit briefing comes the manager interview. This is a semi-technical session where candidates are asked to reflect on past experiences and challenges.

In 5 minutes the candidate present their topic of choice and then the panel consisting of two managers and 1 HR representative follows.

The interview aims to assess both the candidate’s capabilities and personal mission.

The Partner Interview

Finally, candidates face the partner interview, a high-stakes, yet conversational stage.

Here, two partners and HR officer assess not only a candidate’s skills but also their cultural fit within the organisation.

This stage is about ambition, values, and long-term alignment.

A Close Look at Deloitte

PwC’s process is similar to KPMG’s but with slight variations.

Their application process also starts with an online form, and applicants must meet the same minimum academic requirements as KPMG.

Deloitte's focus on Cognitive and Behavioural Competencies

While KPMG focuses on numerical reasoning, Deloitte places slightly more emphasis on problem-solving, data processing, and how candidates handle challenging situations.

This shift in focus makes it clear that both firms are looking for more than just academic excellence, they want emotionally intelligent, adaptable individuals.

Group Assessment at Deloitte

Like KPMG, Deloitte conducts a group assessment where candidates work together to solve a case study. The focus here is on individual contributions and the ability to collaborate effectively to reach a well-reasoned, time-bound solution.

Department Selection

A key difference in Deloitte’s process is that department selection is final at the application stage. Unlike KPMG, where applicants may revise their department selection during the briefing, Deloitte requires applicants to commit to their department choice from the start.

Manager Interviews at Deloitte

Deloitte's manager interviews, conducted either in person or virtually, assess candidates’ potential. These interviews offer flexibility in terms of format but remain focused on understanding the individual behind the application.

Partner Interviews

The final stage at Deloitte, the partner interview, focuses on understanding the candidate’s values and how well they align with the department they’ve chosen.

This interview is as much about the person as it is about their qualifications.

Mindset Matters More Than Ever

Throughout the session, it became clear: mindset matters.

Graduate programs are not just about grades and qualifications; they are looking for emotionally aware, articulate, team-oriented, and resilient candidates.

These are the qualities that KESA cultivates through its forums, mentorship opportunities, and leadership programs.

Also present was JohnBaptist Wachira, audit associate at PwC.

A Wake-Up Call

This webinar served as both a wake-up call and a call to action.

The opportunities are real, but they are only available to those who prepare and seize them.

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post is a personal opinion of the author and not a publication endorsed by the Association.