Your CV is often the first — and sometimes only — chance you have to impress a Kenyan recruiter. With hundreds of applications landing in their inbox every day, you have about six seconds to make an impact.
1. Use the Right Format
Kenyan employers generally prefer a chronological CV — listing your most recent experience first. Keep it to 2 pages maximum unless you have 10+ years of experience.
2. Start With a Strong Summary
Your personal statement should be 3–4 lines that answer: Who are you? What value do you bring? What are you looking for? Tailor this for every application.
3. Quantify Your Achievements
Instead of "Managed a sales team," write "Led a 12-person sales team that grew revenue by KES 4.2M in Q3 2024."
4. Include Local Certifications
ICPAK (accounting), LSK (law), EBK (engineering) — these carry significant weight with Kenyan employers and should be prominently listed.
5. Tailor for Each Application
Mirror keywords from the job description. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for matches before a human reads your CV.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including a photo (unless specifically requested)
- Listing primary school when you hold a degree
- Using unprofessional email addresses
- Generic objectives like "seeking a challenging position"