How to Write a Good CV for Kenyan Recruitment (2025 Guide)

In today’s competitive job market, your CV is your first chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers. Whether you’re applying for a government role, a private company job, or an NGO position in Kenya, a well-written CV can open doors to interviews and career opportunities. Kenyan recruiters typically receive hundreds of applications for a single position, so standing out begins with a CV that is clear, professional, and tailored to the job description.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps on how to write a good CV for Kenyan recruitment in 2025. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, following these strategies will increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Steps to Take When Writing a Good CV in Kenya

1. Start with Clear Personal Information

Include the following at the top of your CV:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• Location (City, County)
• LinkedIn profile (optional but helpful)

Avoid adding sensitive details like your ID number, date of birth, or marital status unless the job advert specifically requires them.

2. Write a Strong Career Summary

Your career summary should be a brief paragraph that outlines your:

• Professional background
• Years of experience
• Key strengths
• Career goals or the value you bring to employers

Example:
“Results-oriented finance professional with over 5 years of experience in budgeting and cost control, proficient in SAP and Excel for precise reporting, and dedicated to enhancing financial efficiency and compliance for organizations.”

3. List Relevant Skills and Competencies

Highlight your job-specific and soft skills in bullet points, customizing them for the position you’re applying for.

Examples:

• Customer Relationship Management

• Financial Reporting & Analysis

• ICT Skills (MS Office, QuickBooks)

• Public Speaking

• Data Entry and Analysis

• Project Coordination

• Leadership and Teamwork

4. Detail Your Work Experience

This section should include your:

• Job title
• Employer’s name
• Location
• Period of employment (month and year)
• Responsibilities and key achievements

Use bullet points for responsibilities and try to quantify your achievements.

Example:
Sales Executive | Equity Bank | Nairobi
Jan 2021 – Dec 2023

• Increased regional sales by 30% within one year

• Managed a portfolio of 100+ clients

• Trained and mentored 3 new hires

5. Include Your Education Background

List your academic qualifications starting from the most recent.

Format:

• Degree or Certificate obtained
• Institution name
• Duration
• Grade (if strong or required)

Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Kenyatta University | 2018 – 2022
Second Class Upper Division

6. Add Professional Certifications (If Any)

This is crucial if you’re in fields like IT, Accounting, HR, or Education.

Examples:

• CPA (K), Section IV
• Google Digital Marketing Certificate
• CHRP – Human Resource Management Professionals Exam
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

7. Mention Your Referees

Choose at least two credible referees who can vouch for your professionalism.

Include:

• Full name
• Job title
• Organization
• Phone number
• Email address

Ensure you notify your referees before listing them.

Conclusion

A good CV is more than just a list of your past jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool. In Kenya’s competitive job space, employers are looking for candidates who present themselves professionally and communicate their value clearly. By following the steps above; keeping your CV clear, relevant, and tailored, you stand a much better chance of getting shortlisted and invited for an interview.

Remember: Always update your CV regularly, proofread before submitting, and match your application to the job description. A great CV won’t guarantee you the job but it will definitely get you noticed.