The Myth of the "Godfather"

There is a pervasive belief among Kenyan job seekers that unless you have a "godfather"—a powerful, well-connected relative in a corner office—you cannot get a good job.

While nepotism exists everywhere, the reality of the Kenyan job market is more nuanced. Most jobs (up to 70% in the private sector) are filled before they are ever advertised on boards like BrighterMonday or Fuzu. They are filled through the referral economy.

This is not necessarily corruption; it is risk mitigation. Hiring is expensive and risky. If an HR manager in Westlands needs a reliable accountant, they will first ask their current team, "Do you know anyone good?" before spending money on an advert. You do not need a godfather to get referred; you just need to know how to work the network honestly.

1. Stop Saying "Abeg, Any Work"

The worst way to network is to meet someone and say, "Please, if you hear of any job, let me know."

That gives the person zero actionable information. They do not know what you are good at, and they will not risk their reputation recommending you for something random.

Be specific: "I recently finished my CPA-K and I am looking for an entry-level accounts assistant role, preferably in the logistics or manufacturing sector around Mombasa Road."

Now, if that person hears about an accounts job at a warehouse, you are the first person they think of.

2. Your Existing Network is a Goldmine

You likely already have a powerful network; you just aren't using it professionally.

• The Chama: Chamas (investment groups) are powerful economic engines in Kenya. The members are business owners, corporate managers, and civil servants. Let your chama (or your parents' chama) know exactly what role you are hunting.
• The Church/Mosque: Religious communities in Kenya are tight-knit social networks. Speak to the committee leaders or professionals in the congregation.
• University Alumni Groups: Your former classmates who graduated two years ahead of you are now inside the companies you want to work for. Reach out to them on WhatsApp or LinkedIn.

3. The WhatsApp PDF Rule

In Kenya, opportunities move at the speed of WhatsApp. When someone in your network says, "Send me your papers, my boss is looking for someone," you do not have three days to polish a Word document.

You must have a flawless, one-page CV saved as a PDF on your phone at all times. When the request comes, you forward it instantly. Ensure your document follows the rules in our CV tips for Kenya guide.

4. Cold Networking on LinkedIn

If you want to break into the corporate hubs (Upper Hill, Westlands, Kilimani), LinkedIn is your best tool for generating your own referrals.

Do not send a connection request to an HR Manager at EABL and immediately ask for a job. Build a relationship:

1. Follow them and comment thoughtfully on their industry posts.

2. Send a polite message: "Hi [Name], I'm a recent IT graduate and I really admire the digital transformation work your team is doing at KCB. I’d love to connect and follow your updates."

3. When a role opens up, you are no longer a stranger; you are a familiar, professional connection.

5. Information Interviews

If you admire someone's career path, ask for 15 minutes of their time—not for a job, but for advice. Buy them a coffee or ask for a brief virtual chat. Ask them how they broke into the industry and what skills are currently in demand.

People love giving advice. Often, these conversations turn into mentorships, and when a junior role opens up in their department, they will refer you because they already know your character and drive.

Before you start networking, make sure your professional summary is ready to be shared. Build a clean, targeted CV for free on Monta meu currículo?—optimized for mobile and ready to be forwarded on WhatsApp at a moment's notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that you can only get a government job in Kenya through a connection?

While connections exist, official public service jobs (national and county) must go through the Public Service Commission (PSC) or County Service Boards. They are publicly advertised, and many people secure them purely on merit and interview performance. Never pay a bribe for a public job.

How do I network if I am an introvert and hate attending events?

Focus on digital networking. LinkedIn is perfect for introverts. You can build deep professional relationships through thoughtful comments, direct messages, and publishing your own technical articles without ever having to work a crowded room.

What should I name my CV file before sending it on WhatsApp?

Never name it "CV" or "Document1". Name it professionally: Firstname_Lastname_CV_Role.pdf (e.g., John_Kamau_CV_Accountant.pdf). This ensures the person referring you doesn't lose it in their downloads folder.

Can I ask a former lecturer for a referral?

Yes! Lecturers often consult for private companies or have extensive industry contacts. If you were a strong, reliable student, a recommendation from a respected university lecturer carries significant weight.