Referees on a CV in Kenya: How Many, Who to Choose and How to List Them

Most Kenyan employers expect three referees at the end of your CV. Choose people who have supervised or taught you, list each one's name, job title, organisation, phone number, email and how they know you, and always ask their permission first.

Referees can win or lose you a job at the last stage. Here is how to get them right.

How many referees should you list?

Three is the standard in Kenya. Some adverts ask for two, and some senior or academic posts ask for more. Always follow the advert.

If the advert does not say, list three.

Who makes a good referee?

The best referees can speak about your work, skills and character from direct experience. In order of strength:

1. Your current or most recent supervisor – the most valuable referee.
2. A former supervisor or manager from a previous job.
3. A senior colleague who worked closely with you.
4. A client or partner you worked with for a long time (for sales, consulting and freelance roles).
5. A lecturer or project supervisor – ideal for fresh graduates.
6. Your attachment or internship supervisor – strong for graduates.
7. A religious leader or community leader – acceptable as a character referee, especially early in your career, but usually not as your main professional referee.

Who to avoid

• Family members and relatives
• Close friends with no work link to you
• People you have not spoken to in years
• Anyone who might give a lukewarm or negative reference
• Very senior people who barely know you. A cabinet secretary's name will not help if they cannot describe your work.

How to format referees on a CV

Use the same layout for each referee:

Ms Jane Wairimu Finance Manager, [Organisation] Phone: 07XX XXX XXX Email: jane.wairimu@organisation.co.ke Relationship: My supervisor, 2022–2025

Dr Peter Mutua Senior Lecturer, Department of Accounting, [University] Phone: 07XX XXX XXX Email: pmutua@university.ac.ke Relationship: Final-year project supervisor

Mr Ali Hassan Operations Lead, [Organisation] Phone: 07XX XXX XXX Email: ali.hassan@organisation.com Relationship: Senior colleague, 2023–2025

Use work emails where possible. They look more credible than personal addresses.

"References available on request"

Some international CV advice says to write "References available on request" instead of listing names. In Kenya, most employers still expect names on the CV, especially in government, counties, schools and NGOs. Listing them saves the recruiter a step.

If you are job hunting quietly and do not want your current boss contacted yet, you may write "References available on request" for private sector jobs. Be ready to provide them quickly when asked.

Always ask permission first

Never list someone without asking. A referee who is surprised by a call may sound unsure, and that can cost you the job.

When you ask:

1. Call or message them politely. Explain the kind of jobs you are applying for.
2. Confirm their current contacts – phone numbers change.
3. Send them your latest CV so they can speak about recent work.
4. Tell them when to expect a call, once you are shortlisted, with the job title and organisation.
5. Thank them, and let them know the outcome.

A simple message works:

Good morning Ms Wairimu. I am applying for finance officer roles and would be grateful if I could list you as a referee, since you supervised my work at [organisation]. May I share my CV with you? Thank you.

Referees for government jobs

Public sector adverts sometimes ask for referees' details on an application form or require recommendation letters. Some ask that referees be people who have known you for a minimum period. Read the requirements carefully. See our guide on government job applications in Kenya.

Where referees go on your CV

Put referees in the last section of your CV. They should not push your experience onto a third page. If space is tight, reduce older job bullets rather than dropping a referee.

For the full CV structure, see our CV format for Kenya and the CV template.

Quick checklist

• Three referees (unless the advert says otherwise)
• At least one current or recent supervisor
• Each has agreed and has your latest CV
• Name, title, organisation, phone, email and relationship for each
• No relatives
• Contacts double-checked

When your CV is complete, find jobs on KaziMatch and start applying.