If you’re looking for the best CV format in Kenya in 2025, you’re in the right place. Whether you are a fresh graduate applying for your first job or an experienced professional aiming for a career move, your CV (curriculum vitae) is often the first impression you make with Kenyan employers and recruiters.
According to BrighterMonday Kenya, recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV before deciding if a candidate is worth shortlisting. That means the format of your CV matters just as much as the content. A poorly structured CV, no matter how qualified you are, can easily end up ignored.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
– The best CV format in Kenya for 2025
– Downloadable CV templates (Word & PDF) you can use right away
– Examples of CVs for popular careers in Kenya (teaching, accounting, NGO jobs, IT, sales, etc.)
– Recruiter-approved tips to make your CV stand out in the Kenyan job market
Why CV Formatting Matters in Kenya (2025)
Recruiters in Kenya spend just 6–10 seconds scanning a CV before deciding if you’re worth a second look. At the same time, many employers — especially in banking, NGOs, ICT, and government — now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications. If your CV isn’t well-structured and keyword-friendly, it can be rejected automatically.
Different industries in Kenya also lean towards certain formats:
- Banking & Government → prefer chronological CVs.
- NGOs & Education → look for a mix of skills and experience.
- ICT & Healthcare → value clear, ATS-friendly layouts.
The best CV format in Kenya increases your chances of getting shortlisted and landing that interview.
What Is The Best CV Format in Kenya In 2025?
For most job seekers in Kenya, the Chronological CV remains the safest and most effective choice. It’s the format recruiters and HR managers see most often, making it easier for them to assess your career growth at a glance.
That said, your choice should match your situation:
- Fresh graduates or career changers → use a Functional CV to highlight skills over limited experience.
- Tech, marketing, sales, or consulting professionals → a Combination CV works best, balancing skills with work achievements.
- Banking, government, education, and healthcare → stick to a Chronological CV for maximum credibility.
Always choose the format that best highlights your strengths while staying recruiter- and ATS-friendly.
Comparison of Best CV Formats in Kenya For 2025
| CV Format | Best For | Advantages | Disadvantages | Kenya 2025 Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronological CV | Professionals with steady career growth | – Easy for recruiters to scan – Highlights work experience clearly – Most widely accepted in Kenya | – Exposes gaps in employment – Not ideal for career changers | ✅ Recommended for most Kenyan jobs (banking, NGOs, education, ICT, government) |
| Functional CV | Fresh graduates or career changers | – Focuses on skills and achievements – Hides employment gaps – Great for those with little experience | – Many Kenyan employers distrust this format – Can look like you’re hiding work history | Good for fresh graduates applying through Fuzu or BrighterMonday |
| Combination CV | Skilled professionals with mixed experience | – Balances skills + work history – Flexible format – Good for highlighting achievements | – Can become too long – Requires careful structuring | Useful in competitive fields (tech, marketing, consulting, healthcare) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a CV in Kenya
When creating a CV in Kenya, structure matters as much as the content. Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) expect a clear, professional format. Follow these steps to build a curriculum vitae format in Kenya that gets results in 2025:
Contact Information (How Kenyan Recruiters Prefer It)
Place your contact information at the top of the page. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure everything is accurate and easy to find.
- Phone number (use a professional line you actively pick)
- Email address (avoid nicknames; use firstname.lastname@email.com)
- LinkedIn profile link (optional but recommended, especially for ICT, NGO, and corporate jobs)
Skip details like religion, marital status, ID number, or full home address. Kenyan employers no longer require these.
Professional Summary (3–4 Lines, Customized)
Start your CV with a strong opening statement. A professional summary highlights your experience and skills in a few sentences, while an objective focuses on your career goals. Choose the one that best suits your situation, but keep it short and to the point.
Example:
“Results-oriented HR professional with 6+ years’ experience in recruitment, staff training, and policy development. Skilled in aligning HR strategies with Kenyan labor laws and improving retention rates by 20%.”
Key Skills Section (ATS-Optimized Keywords)
Hard skills are technical abilities, while soft skills relate to communication or teamwork. Recruiters and ATS filters scan this section first. List 6–10 relevant skills in bullet points, using keywords from the job ad to show you’re a good fit.
Example for an accountant:
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Tax Compliance (Kenya Revenue Authority – KRA)
- QuickBooks, Excel & SAP
- Budgeting & Cost Reduction Strategies
Work Experience (Chronological, With Achievements)
List your work history, starting with the most recent job. Include your job title, the company’s name, location, and the dates you worked there. Use bullet points to highlight your key responsibilities and achievements, focusing on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Example:
Accountant – Equity Bank, Nairobi Jan 2020 – Present
- Managed reconciliations, reducing reporting errors by 15%.
- Prepared financial reports in line with IFRS & KRA standards.
Education (No Need for Primary/Secondary Schools)
Start with your highest qualification. Include degrees, certificates, and any relevant coursework if needed. Make sure to include dates and the institution where you studied.
Example:
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) – University of Nairobi
Graduated: 2016
Certifications & Professional Courses (CPA, KASNEB, IT Certs)
Certifications can give you an edge in Kenya’s competitive job market. Only list those certifications relevant to the job.
Example:
- CPA (Kenya) – KASNEB, 2021
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), 2022
- QuickBooks Certified, 2020
Referees (When to Use “Available on Request”)
Kenyan CVs typically end with referees. You have two options:
- List 2–3 referees with name, title, organization, phone, and email.
- Write “Referees available on request” — a clean option if you’d rather share later.
Always customize each section of your CV to the role you’re applying for. ATS systems in Kenya will reject generic CVs, so make sure your skills and achievements match the job description.
Example of Curriculum Vitae Format in Kenya
Below is a Kenya-optimized CV outline you can use to apply for jobs in 2025. It follows the chronological format, which is the most trusted by recruiters in banking, government, NGOs, and corporate sectors.
Contact Information
John Mwangi Phone: 07XX XXX XXX | professional@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/username | Nairobi, Kenya
Professional Summary
Results-driven Accountant with 5+ years of experience in financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit support. Skilled in QuickBooks, SAP, and IFRS standards, with a proven record of reducing reporting errors by 15% and ensuring full compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requirements.
Key Skills
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Tax Compliance (Kenya Revenue Authority – KRA)
- Data Analysis (Excel, QuickBooks, SAP)
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Team Leadership & Training
Work Experience
Accountant – Equity Bank, Nairobi Jan 2020 – Present
- Managed monthly reconciliations, reducing reporting errors by 15%.
- Prepared financial reports in compliance with IFRS and KRA standards.
- Supported audits, achieving 100% compliance with external auditors.
Accounts Assistant – ABC Ltd, Nairobi Jun 2017 – Dec 2019
- Processed supplier invoices, improving payment cycle efficiency by 20%.
- Assisted in internal audits and strengthened financial reporting accuracy.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) – University of Nairobi
Graduated: 2016
Certifications
- CPA (Kenya), KASNEB – 2021
- QuickBooks Certified – 2019
Referees
Available on request.
Why this is Best CV Format In Kenya In 2025
- Matches what Kenyan recruiters expect in banking, NGOs, and government.
- Chronological format makes career progression easy to follow.
- ATS-friendly → no tables, graphics, or headers that block scanning.
- Includes Kenya-specific details (KRA, Nairobi companies, KASNEB certification).
Download CV Format in Kenya (Word & PDF)
Below are sample screenshots of Kenya CV formats you can download in both Word and PDF versions. Each template is ATS-friendly and recruiter-approved for the Kenyan job market in 2025.
Front Page (Chronological CV Format) |
Back Page (Chronological CV Format) |
CV Format Examples in Kenya by Category
Different industries in Kenya have different CV expectations. While the Chronological CV is the most common format, tailoring your CV style to your career stage and sector can significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted. Here are examples of the best CV formats in Kenya for 2025:
CV Format for Fresh Graduates in Kenya
If you have little or no work experience, a Functional CV works best because it highlights your skills, training, and potential rather than work history.
Key Sections to Focus On:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary (focus on career goals)
- Key Skills (teamwork, leadership, technical skills, internships)
- Education (degree/diploma, academic achievements)
- Internships / Volunteer Work (list achievements, not just duties)
- Referees
Example of professional summary for a curriculum vitae in Kenya for a graduate:
Professional Summary:
“Energetic BCom graduate specializing in Finance with internship experience at KCB Bank. Skilled in Excel, data analysis, and financial reporting. Eager to apply analytical skills to support organizational growth.”
CV Format for Banking & NGO Jobs in Kenya
For structured industries like banking, NGOs, and education, employers expect a Chronological CV with clear progression and measurable achievements.
Key Sections to Emphasize:
- Professional Summary (show compliance, integrity, teamwork)
- Work Experience (show growth, stability, achievements with numbers)
- Certifications (CPA, CFA, project management, compliance training)
- Languages (if relevant for NGO or international roles)
Example achievement bullet:
- “Managed donor-funded project budgets worth KES 30M and achieved 100% compliance with donor requirements.”
CV Format for ICT & Tech Jobs in Kenya
Tech roles are more flexible. A Combination CV works well — showcasing both skills (for ATS) and experience (for recruiters).
Key Sections to Highlight:
- Technical Skills (e.g., Python, SQL, Java, networking, cloud tools)
- Projects / Portfolio Links (GitHub, personal website, apps)
- Work Experience (freelance + full-time)
- Certifications (Cisco, AWS, Google, Microsoft)
Example of curriculum vitae in Kenya for ICT:
Key Skills:
- Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React)
- Database Management (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Google Cloud)
- Troubleshooting & ICT Support
CV Format for Government Jobs in Kenya
Government jobs are highly formal and almost always require a Chronological CV with complete details.
Key Sections to Include:
- Full Contact Information
- Professional Summary (public service motivation, compliance, ethics)
- Work Experience (emphasize public service, administration, or teaching roles)
- Education (include secondary school if required by PSC or TSC guidelines)
- Certifications (compliance, teaching, HR, or public administration)
- Referees (usually mandatory in public service applications)
Example bullet point:
- “Coordinated census data collection across 12 sub-counties, ensuring 98% coverage in compliance with government reporting standards.”
Always adapt your CV format in Kenya to the industry’s expectations. A graduate CV looks very different from one targeting banking or ICT jobs. Using the wrong style can reduce your chances of being shortlisted.
Best Practices for CV Formatting in Kenya In 2025
To stand out in Kenya’s job market, your CV must be clear, professional, and ATS-friendly. Follow these best practices when formatting your CV:
- Keep it short: Aim for 1–2 pages max. Recruiters skim quickly, and long CVs often go unread.
- Use simple fonts: Stick to Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman in 10–12 pt size for easy reading.
- Save as PDF: Always send your CV in PDF format to preserve formatting across devices.
- Include keywords: Tailor your CV to each job. For example:
- NGO roles → “project management, donor reporting”
- Finance roles → “KRA compliance, IFRS reporting”
- ICT roles → “network support, database management”
- Avoid outdated details: Leave out information like religion, marital status, ID number, or full physical address — Kenyan employers no longer require these.
Always customize your CV for each role. A generic CV rarely gets noticed in Kenya’s competitive market.
Common CV Mistakes Kenyan Job Seekers Make
Even highly qualified candidates lose opportunities because of small but costly CV errors. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid in Kenya:
- Outdated formats – e.g., listing primary school or using “Curriculum Vitae” as a heading.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes – a major red flag for recruiters.
- Unnecessary personal details – such as ID number, marital status, religion, or salary expectations.
- Text-heavy layouts – long paragraphs make CVs hard to scan; recruiters prefer bullet points.
- Generic CVs – sending the same document to every employer instead of tailoring it to the job.
Remember your CV is your marketing tool. Keeping it clean, updated, and relevant gives you a real edge in Kenya’s competitive job market.
Final Checklist Before Sending Your CV
Before applying for a job in Kenya, run through this quick checklist to make sure your CV is ready:
Contact details – phone, email, and LinkedIn are correct and professional.
Professional summary – customized to the specific role you’re applying for.
Work experience – written with achievements and results, not just duties.
Key skills – matched to the keywords in the job ad.
Formatting – clean, easy to scan, and limited to 1–2 pages.
File type – saved as PDF to keep formatting consistent and ATS-friendly.
Read your CV out loud once before sending. It helps you catch small errors that recruiters notice immediately.
FAQs: CV Format in Kenya In 2025
What is the best CV format in Kenya?
The Chronological CV is the most widely accepted in Kenya, especially for banking, NGO, government, education, and ICT roles. It clearly shows career progression, which recruiters prefer. Fresh graduates may benefit from a Functional CV, while professionals in competitive sectors like tech or sales can use a Combination CV.
How long should a CV be in Kenya?
Keep it to 1–2 pages maximum. Kenyan recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each CV. Exceptions are for academic, medical, or research roles, where longer CVs are acceptable.
Should I include my photo in a Kenyan CV?
No photo is needed unless the employer specifically requests it. Most recruiters see photos as unnecessary and prefer to focus on qualifications, skills, and experience.
Do Kenyan employers use ATS?
Yes. Large companies, NGOs, and international organizations in Kenya often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). That means:
- Use simple fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman).
- Avoid images, tables, and graphics.
- Include keywords from the job description (e.g., “KRA compliance,” “project management,” “ICT support”).
Q5: What details should I avoid on a CV in Kenya?
Leave out religion, marital status, ID number, and full home address — they’re outdated and irrelevant to hiring managers. Focus on skills, experience, and measurable achievements.
Q6: Is it okay to send the same CV to every job?
No. Always customize your CV to match the job ad. Employers can quickly spot a generic CV, and ATS filters are designed to reject untailored applications.
Conclusion
The best CV format in Kenya in 2025 remains the Chronological CV, especially if you’re applying for roles in banking, government, NGOs, education, or ICT. It’s familiar to recruiters and makes it easy to see your career growth.
That said fresh graduates can stand out more with a Functional CV, since it emphasizes skills over experience, while professionals in fast-paced industries like tech, sales, and marketing may benefit from a Combination CV, which highlights both achievements and skills.
No matter the format, the key to success is creating a Kenya-optimized, ATS-friendly CV that’s easy to scan and directly aligned with the job description. This is what gets you past the first filters — and into the interview room.
Want a recruiter-approved CV that gets noticed?
Contact me for a professionally written CV tailored to the Kenyan job market.
