How to Write a CV in Kenya — Complete Guide 2026
Last updated: July 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What format should a Kenyan CV use?
Use a clean, professional format: reverse chronological order, 2 pages maximum, PDF format. Include contact info, professional summary, work experience, education, and skills.
Should I include a photo on my CV in Kenya?
It depends on the industry. Corporate roles generally don't require photos. Hospitality and media roles sometimes expect them. When in doubt, leave it out.
How long should my CV be?
1–2 pages for most roles. Entry-level candidates should aim for 1 page. Senior professionals with 10+ years can use 2 pages. Never exceed 3.
What should I include in my professional summary?
2–3 sentences summarizing your experience level, key skills, and what you're looking for. Tailor it to each job application.
Do Kenyan employers prefer CVs or resumes?
In Kenya, "CV" and "resume" are used interchangeably. Both refer to the same document. Use whichever term the job posting uses.
Step-by-Step CV Writing Guide
1. Start with Your Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number, professional email, and location (city, country). Optionally add LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL.
2. Write a Professional Summary
A 2–3 sentence overview of your career highlights and what you bring to the role. Customize this for each application — generic summaries get ignored.
3. List Work Experience (Most Recent First)
For each role: job title, company name, dates, and 3–5 bullet points describing achievements (not just duties). Use numbers: "Increased sales by 25%" beats "Responsible for sales."
4. Add Education
Degree, institution, graduation year. Include relevant certifications (CPA, PMP, AWS, etc.). If you're a recent graduate, put education before work experience.
5. Highlight Key Skills
List 8–12 relevant skills. Mix technical skills (Excel, Python, SAP) with soft skills (leadership, communication). Match them to the job description.
6. Add References
In Kenya, it's common to include 2–3 referees. Get permission first. Include their name, title, company, phone, and email. "References available upon request" is also acceptable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a generic CV for all applications (tailor each one)
- Spelling and grammar errors (proofread, then proofread again)
- Including irrelevant personal information (marital status, religion, ID number)
- Using unprofessional email addresses
- Listing duties instead of achievements
- Sending .doc instead of PDF (formatting can break)
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