Why Your CV Matters
Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is often your first—and only—chance to impress an employer.
Kenyan job market is competitive: Hundreds of applicants for one position.
Employers spend 6-10 seconds scanning each CV before deciding to read further or reject.
A strong CV gets you the interview. A weak CV gets deleted.
This guide: Teach you to write a CV that stands out in Kenya.
CV vs. Resume: What’s the Difference?
In Kenya: Terms often used interchangeably, but there’s a difference.
CV (Curriculum Vitae):
- Longer (2-5+ pages)
- Comprehensive (all education, experience, publications, awards)
- Used for: Academic positions, research roles, senior positions
Resume:
- Shorter (1-2 pages)
- Highlights relevant experience for specific job
- Used for: Most jobs, especially entry-level, corporate
In Kenya: Most employers ask for “CV” but expect resume-length document (2-3 pages).
This guide focuses on: Standard Kenyan CV (2-3 pages, professional format).
What Kenyan Employers Look For
Top criteria:
- Relevant qualifications: Do you meet requirements?
- Relevant experience: Have you done similar work?
- Skills: Can you perform job tasks?
- Professionalism: Is CV well-written, error-free?
- Stability: Job-hopping red flag (multiple 3-month jobs)
- Clarity: Can they quickly find key information?
Your CV must answer: “Why should we interview this person?”
CV Format and Structure
Standard Kenyan CV Sections (In Order)
- Personal Information
- Professional Summary/Objective (optional, but recommended)
- Education
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Certifications/Training (if applicable)
- Awards/Achievements (if applicable)
- Referees
Length: 2-3 pages (fresh graduates: 2 pages, experienced: 3 pages).
Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, size 11-12pt.
Margins: 1 inch (2.5 cm) all sides.
Spacing: Single-spaced with space between sections.
File format: PDF (preserves formatting) or Word (if specifically requested).
File name: YourName_CV.pdf (e.g., John_Mwangi_CV.pdf)
Do NOT: Use fancy fonts, colors (except minimal accent), photos (unless required), creative layouts (for most jobs).
Section-by-Section Guide
1. Personal Information
At the top, include:
Name (large, bold):
JOHN KAMAU MWANGI
Contact details (under name):
Phone: +254 712 345 678
Email: john.mwangi@email.com
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnmwangi (if you have professional LinkedIn)
Do NOT include:
- Photo (unless job ad specifically requests)
- Date of birth/age (ageism concerns)
- Marital status, children (irrelevant, can lead to discrimination)
- ID number (privacy concern)
- Full physical address (city is enough)
- Multiple phone numbers (one mobile is sufficient)
Email address: Professional.
If yours is unprofessional: Create new one (firstname.lastname@gmail.com).
2. Professional Summary/Objective
Purpose: 2-4 sentence snapshot of who you are and what you offer.
Two types:
Professional Summary (for experienced candidates):
Results-driven Marketing Officer with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, brand management, and campaign execution. Proven track record of increasing brand visibility by 40% through social media strategies. Seeking to leverage expertise in content creation and analytics to drive growth at [Company Name].
Career Objective (for fresh graduates):
Recent Bachelor of Commerce graduate from University of Nairobi with strong foundation in accounting principles, financial analysis, and Excel proficiency. Seeking entry-level accountant position to apply academic knowledge and contribute to organizational success while developing practical skills.
Key elements:
- Who you are (role/education)
- Key skills/achievements (quantify if possible)
- What you’re seeking
- What you offer employer
Tailor to each job: Change to align with specific position.
Optional but recommended: Helps employers immediately understand your fit.
3. Education
Format (reverse chronological—most recent first):
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
September 2019 – June 2023
Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
Relevant coursework: Econometrics, Development Economics, Data Analysis
Include:
- Degree/qualification name
- Institution name
- Location (city, county/country if abroad)
- Dates (month and year or just year)
- Class/Grade (if good: First Class, Second Upper)
- Relevant coursework (if fresh graduate and relevant to job)
List all tertiary education (university, diploma, certificate programs).
High school (include if fresh graduate):
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
Starehe Boys Centre, Nairobi
2015 – 2018
Mean Grade: A- (83 points)
If experienced (5+ years): Can omit high school.
Do NOT:
- Include primary school (irrelevant)
- List all subjects (unless specifically required)
- Include poor grades (if below Second Lower, just omit grade)
4. Work Experience
Most important section for experienced candidates.
Format (reverse chronological):
Marketing Officer
Safaricom PLC, Nairobi, Kenya
January 2021 – Present
- Developed and executed social media campaigns, increasing follower engagement by 45% within 6 months
- Managed brand partnerships with 10+ corporate clients, generating KES 5M in revenue
- Coordinated product launch events, attracting 500+ attendees and achieving 90% positive feedback
- Analyzed market trends using Google Analytics to inform marketing strategies
- Supervised team of 3 junior marketers, providing mentorship and performance reviews
For each position, include:
- Job title (bold)
- Company name, location
- Dates (month/year – month/year or “Present”)
- 3-6 bullet points describing responsibilities and achievements
Bullet point formula: [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result/impact]
Examples:
- ✅ “Increased sales by 30% through implementation of customer retention program”
- ✅ “Managed portfolio of 50+ clients, maintaining 95% satisfaction rate”
- ❌ “Responsible for sales” (too vague)
- ❌ “Worked on projects” (no specifics)
Action verbs to use:
- Managed, Led, Coordinated, Developed, Implemented, Achieved, Increased, Reduced, Streamlined, Designed, Negotiated, Analyzed, Supervised, Trained, Created
Quantify whenever possible:
- Numbers: “Managed team of 12,” “Served 200+ clients daily”
- Percentages: “Increased efficiency by 25%”
- Money: “Generated KES 10M in revenue”
- Time: “Reduced processing time from 5 days to 2 days”
Gaps in employment: If you have gaps (6+ months), be ready to explain in interview (further study, family care, freelancing). Don’t highlight in CV, but don’t hide dates either.
Internships/Attachments (for fresh graduates):
Finance Intern
Kenya Commercial Bank, Nairobi, Kenya
May 2022 – August 2022 (3 months)
- Assisted in preparation of monthly financial reports for management review
- Conducted data entry and reconciliation of 100+ customer accounts
- Shadowed senior accountants in audit processes, gaining exposure to compliance standards
- Prepared presentations on financial trends for departmental meetings
Fresh graduates: Include internships, attachments, volunteer work (if relevant), part-time jobs.
Experienced candidates: Focus on most relevant/recent positions. If you have 10+ years experience, summarize early career roles briefly or omit very old positions (unless highly relevant).
5. Skills
Two categories: Hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills (technical, teachable):
Format option 1 (categorized):
Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), QuickBooks, SAP, SPSS, Python
Language Skills: English (Native), Kiswahili (Fluent), French (Intermediate)
Driving License: Valid Class BCE License
Format option 2 (bulleted):
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Macros)
- Financial modeling and analysis
- Project management (Agile methodology)
- Social media marketing (Facebook Ads, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Canva)
- Valid driving license (Class BCE)
Soft skills (interpersonal):
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- Adaptability to fast-paced environments
Tips:
- Match job description: If ad mentions “Excel proficiency,” ensure Excel is prominent in skills
- Be specific: Not just “computer skills”—specify software
- Don’t lie: Only list skills you actually have (you may be tested)
- Prioritize relevance: List most job-relevant skills first
6. Certifications/Training
Include professional certifications, workshops, online courses:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), ICPAK, 2023
- Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, 2022
- Digital Marketing Certificate, Google Digital Garage, 2021
- First Aid Training, Kenya Red Cross, 2020
Include:
- Certification/course name
- Issuing organization
- Year obtained
Relevant certifications boost your CV—especially professional certifications (CPA, CFA, ACCA, etc.).
7. Awards/Achievements (Optional)
If you have notable achievements:
- Best Employee of the Year, ABC Company, 2022
- Dean’s List, University of Nairobi, 2020, 2021
- Winner, National Business Plan Competition, KES 500,000 prize, 2019
Include only significant awards. Skip “attendance award” from primary school.
8. Referees
Kenyan employers expect referees (references).
Include 2-3 referees:
REFEREES
1. Dr. Jane Wanjiku
Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics
University of Nairobi
Email: j.wanjiku@uonbi.ac.ke
Phone: +254 722 123 4562. Mr. Peter Omondi
Marketing Manager
Safaricom PLC
Email: peter.omondi@safaricom.co.ke
Phone: +254 733 234 567
Who to list:
- Former supervisors/managers
- Lecturers/professors (for fresh graduates)
- Professional colleagues (senior to you)
Do NOT list:
- Family members
- Friends
- Religious leaders (unless job-related)
- “References available upon request” (Kenyan employers expect names)
Ask permission first: Inform referees you’re listing them, share job details so they can prepare.
Tailoring CV to Job Ad
Generic CV = ignored CV.
For each application:
- Read job ad carefully: Note required qualifications, skills, keywords
- Adjust Professional Summary: Mention specific role, highlight relevant skills
- Reorder experience bullets: Lead with most relevant accomplishments
- Highlight matching skills: If ad mentions “project management,” ensure it’s prominent
- Use same keywords: Many companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) that scan for keywords
Example:
Job ad requires: “5+ years marketing experience, social media expertise, campaign management, budget handling”
Your CV should prominently feature:
- Years of marketing experience (in summary)
- Social media achievements (quantified)
- Campaign management examples
- Budget numbers (“Managed KES 2M marketing budget”)
Don’t lie or exaggerate, but emphasize what matches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Typos and Grammatical Errors
One typo = instant rejection.
Proofread 3+ times. Ask someone else to read it.
Common errors:
- Their/there/they’re
- Your/you’re
- Its/it’s
- Inconsistent tenses (use past tense for previous jobs, present for current)
2. Too Long or Too Short
Too long (5+ pages): Employers won’t read it all.
Too short (1 page with experience): Looks like you didn’t try.
Sweet spot: 2-3 pages.
3. Irrelevant Information
Don’t include:
- Hobbies (unless directly relevant—e.g., marathon runner applying for sports brand)
- Religious/political affiliations (can cause bias)
- Unrelated jobs (if you worked as cashier 10 years ago and now applying for IT role, omit or briefly mention)
Every line should support: “I’m the right candidate for THIS job.”
4. Lying or Exaggerating
Tempting to inflate titles, dates, or achievements.
Don’t: Background checks are common in Kenya. If caught, you’re fired (even years later).
Instead: Frame truth positively.
- ❌ “Managed 50 people” (when you managed 5)
- ✅ “Supervised team of 5 in daily operations”
5. Poor Formatting
Hard-to-read CV gets rejected.
Avoid:
- Walls of text (use bullet points, spacing)
- Inconsistent fonts/sizes
- Tiny margins (cramming too much)
- Fancy fonts (Comic Sans, cursive)
- Too many colors (black/dark gray + one accent color max)
Use:
- Clear headings (bold, slightly larger)
- Bullet points (for experience, skills)
- White space (don’t cram)
- Professional, clean layout
6. Generic Objective/Summary
Weak: “Seeking a challenging position in a reputable organization to utilize my skills.”
Why weak?: Vague, could apply to any job, focuses on what YOU want (not what you offer).
Strong: See examples in Section 2 above (specific, relevant, value-focused).
7. Missing Keywords
Many companies use ATS (software that scans CVs for keywords before human sees it).
If CV lacks keywords from job ad: Rejected by software automatically.
Solution: Use exact phrases from job ad (where truthful).
Example: Job ad says “customer relationship management”—use that phrase, not just “CRM.”
8. Unprofessional Email
john2000boi@yahoo.com looks childish.
Use: firstname.lastname@gmail.com.
9. Not Quantifying Achievements
Weak: “Responsible for improving sales.”
Strong: “Increased sales by 35% over 12 months, exceeding target by KES 2M.”
Numbers prove impact.
10. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements
Duties (what you were supposed to do):
- “Answered customer inquiries”
- “Filed documents”
- “Attended meetings”
Achievements (what you accomplished):
- “Resolved 95% of customer inquiries on first contact, improving satisfaction scores by 20%”
- “Digitized filing system, reducing document retrieval time by 50%”
- “Led weekly team meetings, resulting in 30% increase in project completion rate”
Employers care about results, not just tasks.
Tips for Fresh Graduates (No Experience)
Challenge: Little to no work experience.
Solutions:
1. Emphasize education:
- List relevant coursework
- Mention academic projects (e.g., “Conducted research on mobile money adoption, surveying 200 respondents”)
- Include good grades
2. Highlight internships/attachments:
- Treat like full jobs
- Describe what you learned, contributed
3. Include volunteer work:
- Community projects
- University club leadership (e.g., “President, Economics Students Association”)
- Charity involvement (if significant)
4. List transferable skills:
- Teamwork (group projects)
- Presentation skills (class presentations)
- Research (thesis/project)
- Leadership (club roles)
5. Use career objective:
- State desire to learn and contribute
- Mention enthusiasm and willingness
6. Consider functional CV:
- Instead of chronological work history, group by skills
- E.g., “Research Skills,” “Communication Skills,” “Technical Skills” with examples from various contexts
Example for fresh graduate (Education section):
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
September 2019 – December 2023
Second Class Honours (Upper Division)Final Year Project: Developed mobile app for tracking matatu fares in Nairobi using Android Studio and Firebase. App downloaded 500+ times on Google Play Store.
Relevant Coursework: Software Engineering, Database Management, Web Development, Networking
CV Examples
Example 1: Fresh Graduate
**MARY AKINYI ODHIAMBO**
Phone: +254 723 456 789 | Email: mary.odhiambo@gmail.com | Nairobi, Kenya
**CAREER OBJECTIVE**
Recent Bachelor of Education graduate with strong foundation in teaching methodologies, classroom management, and child psychology. Seeking entry-level teaching position to inspire students, foster inclusive learning environment, and contribute to academic excellence.
**EDUCATION**
Bachelor of Education (Arts)
Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
September 2019 – December 2023
Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
Specialization: English and Literature
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
Alliance Girls High School, Kikuyu
2015 – 2018
Mean Grade: A (82 points)
**TEACHING PRACTICE**
Student Teacher
Moi Girls High School, Nairobi, Kenya
May 2023 – August 2023 (3 months)
- Taught English and Literature to Form 2 and Form 3 classes (120 students total)
- Developed lesson plans aligned with CBC framework, incorporating interactive activities
- Assessed student performance through assignments and exams, providing constructive feedback
- Mentored 15 students in drama club, leading to third place in county-level competition
**VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE**
Tutor, Nairobi Community Education Center
January 2022 – December 2022
- Provided free tutoring to 30+ underprivileged children in English and Mathematics
- Improved students' average grades by 20% over the year
- Organized reading sessions, fostering love for literature among participants
**SKILLS**
- Lesson planning and curriculum development
- Classroom management and student engagement
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Kiswahili (Fluent), English (Fluent)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
**CERTIFICATIONS**
- Teaching Practice Certificate, TSC, 2023
- First Aid Training, St. John Ambulance, 2022
**REFEREES**
1. Dr. David Kiprop
Senior Lecturer, Department of Educational Psychology
Moi University
Email: d.kiprop@mu.ac.ke | Phone: +254 722 111 222
2. Mrs. Grace Kamau
Deputy Principal, Moi Girls High School
Email: grace.kamau@moigirls.ac.ke | Phone: +254 733 222 333Example 2: Experienced Professional
**JAMES MWANGI KARIUKI**
Phone: +254 712 345 678 | Email: james.kariuki@gmail.com | Nairobi, Kenya
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jameskariuki
**PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY**
Dynamic Financial Analyst with 6+ years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, and data analysis. Proven track record of reducing costs by 20% through strategic resource allocation and improving forecasting accuracy by 35%. CPA-K certified with expertise in SAP and advanced Excel. Seeking senior analyst role to drive financial performance and strategic decision-making.
**WORK EXPERIENCE**
Financial Analyst
Kenya Airways PLC, Nairobi, Kenya
March 2020 – Present
- Prepare monthly financial reports for C-suite executives, highlighting KPIs and variance analysis
- Manage annual budget of KES 500M across 5 departments, ensuring 98% adherence
- Conduct financial modeling for new route feasibility, contributing to KES 100M revenue increase
- Collaborate with 10+ department heads to optimize costs, achieving 20% savings in operational expenses
- Train 8 junior analysts in financial software and best practices
Senior Accounts Assistant
Equity Bank Limited, Nairobi, Kenya
January 2018 – February 2020
- Processed 200+ daily transactions, maintaining 99.5% accuracy rate
- Reconciled bank statements for corporate clients, resolving discrepancies within 24 hours
- Assisted in preparation of quarterly financial statements for regulatory compliance
- Implemented automated reporting system, reducing report generation time by 40%
Accounts Assistant
Deloitte Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
June 2016 – December 2017
- Supported audit teams in client financial statement reviews
- Conducted data analysis for 50+ SME clients, identifying tax optimization opportunities
- Prepared journal entries and maintained general ledger accuracy
**EDUCATION**
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance)
University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
September 2012 – June 2016
Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
**CERTIFICATIONS**
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), ICPAK, 2019
- SAP Financial Accounting (FICO) Certification, SAP, 2021
- Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA), CFI, 2022
**SKILLS**
Technical Skills: SAP (FICO), Microsoft Excel (Advanced), QuickBooks, Power BI, Financial Modeling
Soft Skills: Analytical thinking, Attention to detail, Team collaboration, Strategic planning
**AWARDS**
- Employee of the Quarter, Kenya Airways, Q2 2023
- Excellence in Financial Reporting Award, Equity Bank, 2019
**REFEREES**
1. Mr. Peter Wachira
Finance Manager, Kenya Airways PLC
Email: peter.wachira@kenya-airways.com | Phone: +254 722 987 654
2. Ms. Esther Njeri
Senior Manager, Deloitte Kenya
Email: esther.njeri@deloitte.co.ke | Phone: +254 733 876 543Cover Letter: Essential Companion
Most Kenyan jobs require CV + Cover Letter.
Cover letter (1 page):
- Introduces you
- Explains why you’re interested in job/company
- Highlights 2-3 key qualifications
- Shows personality (more conversational than CV)
See our separate guide on cover letter writing for details.
Never send CV without cover letter (unless ad says “CV only”).
Final Checklist
Before sending CV:
✅ Proofread 3+ times (no typos, grammar errors) ✅ Asked someone else to review ✅ Tailored to specific job (keywords, relevant experience highlighted) ✅ Professional email address ✅ Correct file name (YourName_CV.pdf) ✅ Saved as PDF (unless Word requested) ✅ 2-3 pages (not too long or short) ✅ Clear, readable formatting ✅ Quantified achievements (numbers, percentages) ✅ Contact information correct and current ✅ Referees informed and willing ✅ All dates accurate (no lies) ✅ Relevant skills match job description
If all checked: Submit with confidence!
Where to Send Your CV
Job boards (Kenya):
- BrighterMonday.co.ke: Largest
- MyJobMag.com
- Fuzu.com
- LinkedIn: Professional networking + jobs
Company websites: “Careers” section.
Email applications: Follow instructions precisely (subject line format, attachments).
Walk-ins: Some companies accept CV drop-offs (less common now).
Networking: Referrals often more effective than cold applications—attend industry events, connect on LinkedIn.
After Sending CV
Follow up (if no response after 1-2 weeks):
- Polite email: “I submitted CV for [position] on [date]. Wanted to confirm receipt and express continued interest.”
- One follow-up only (don’t harass)
Prepare for interview:
- Know your CV inside-out (you’ll be asked about anything on it)
- Research company
- Practice common interview questions
- Prepare questions to ask interviewer
Keep applying: Don’t wait for one response—apply to multiple positions.
Update CV regularly: As you gain skills, experience, certifications.
Conclusion
Strong CV = Your ticket to interview.
Weak CV = Immediate rejection, no matter how qualified you are.
Invest time getting it right: tailored, error-free, achievement-focused, professional.
Competition is fierce in Kenya—but a well-crafted CV makes you stand out.
Start today: Update your CV using this guide, tailor it to your target job, and apply confidently. Your dream job is waiting—your CV is the key to unlocking that door. Good luck!