Why a Strong CV Matters in the Kenyan Job Market
Your CV is your first impression. In Kenya’s competitive job market, employers often receive hundreds of applications. A well-written CV improves your chances of being shortlisted. It’s not just about listing your experience it’s about presenting your value clearly. A Kenyan CV needs to be structured, clear, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Employers scan CVs quickly, so formatting and content must grab attention fast.
Basic Structure of a Kenyan CV
Most Kenyan employers expect a CV to include the following sections:
- Personal Information
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education Background
- Key Skills
- Certifications (if applicable)
- Languages
- Referees
Sample CV Layout in Kenya
| Section | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Info | Full name, phone number, email, LinkedIn | Keep it up to date |
| Summary | 2–3 sentence overview of skills and goals | Make it job-specific |
| Experience | List jobs in reverse chronological order | Use action verbs |
| Education | From most recent qualification | Include dates and institutions |
| Skills | Job-relevant hard and soft skills | Bullet format |
Reference: Stellar HR Solutions
How to Start Writing Your Kenyan CV
1. Personal Information Comes First
Place your full name at the top in bold. Below that, include your mobile number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Avoid unnecessary details like religion or marital status unless requested.
2. Write a Strong Personal Summary
This is your elevator pitch. Mention your experience level, industry, and what you bring to the table. For example:
Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years’ experience in digital campaigns and content creation, seeking to drive growth for a leading tech company in Kenya.
3. Detail Your Work Experience
List jobs from the most recent. Include job title, company name, location, and dates. Use bullet points to describe your duties and achievements.
- Use action verbs like led, created, designed, or achieved
- Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased sales by 20%)
Education and Training
Add your academic qualifications starting from the most recent. Mention the name of the institution, course, and dates attended. If you have certifications or short professional courses, include them under a separate section.
4. Highlight Relevant Skills
These should relate to the job you want. Use 5–10 bullet points. Mix hard skills (e.g., Excel, accounting) with soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication).
5. Add Certifications and Languages
If you’ve completed courses like CPA, CCNA, or graphic design workshops, add them here. List any languages you speak fluently. Employers value multilingual candidates.
Kenyan CV Tips That Make a Difference
- Keep your CV to 2 pages
- Use a professional font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)
- Avoid photos unless the job requests one
- Save and send in PDF format
- Customize your CV for each application
Referees: Who Should You List?
Two referees are enough. They can be former employers, lecturers, or professionals who know your work ethic. Include their full names, job titles, phone numbers, and email addresses.
How to Write a CV in Kenya Without Experience
If you’re a student or recent graduate, focus on:
- Academic projects or group work
- Internships or volunteer roles
- Transferable skills like research, communication, teamwork
Free Kenyan CV Templates (PDF/Word)
Use trusted platforms like:
These offer editable CV templates in Word and PDF formats suitable for Kenyan employers.
Quick Checklist Before Sending Your CV
- Spelling and grammar: double-check
- Contact info is accurate
- Matches the job description
- Uses bullet points and clear formatting
Final Thoughts
Writing a CV in Kenya doesn’t have to be hard. Stay focused, be honest, and tailor your CV for each job. Keep improving it over time. Employers notice candidates who put in the effort.
FAQs: CV Writing in Kenya
How many pages should a Kenyan CV be?
Two pages are ideal. One page is okay for entry-level roles. Keep it concise.
Should I include a photo in my CV?
No, unless the job ad specifically asks for one. Focus on content.
Can I write a CV without work experience?
Yes. Highlight education, projects, internships, and soft skills.
What file format is best when sending my CV?
Always send your CV in PDF unless the employer requests Word.
Do I need to write a cover letter too?
Yes. A cover letter complements your CV and gives extra context.
