How to list referees on your CV in Kenya
Updated 16 October 2026
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Kenyan employers call referees, often before the interview. "Referees available on request" usually means they skip you and call the next person.
Who to choose
- A former supervisor or manager.
- A lecturer, teacher or your attachment supervisor if you're a student or fresh graduate.
- A respected person who has seen you work: a church leader, chama chairperson or business owner you've worked with.
Avoid relatives. Employers know.
How to list them
Name, job title, organisation and a phone number they actually answer. An email if they use one.
Ask first
Call or WhatsApp them before you list them. Tell them which jobs you're applying for, so they're ready when the call comes. On TumaCV you can send them a one-tap confirmation link.
How many
Three is the standard in Kenya. Many ads ask for three, and if one doesn't answer the phone, the others can. Students and fresh graduates: a lecturer or your attachment supervisor counts.
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