CVs & applications · 7 min read
Job application letter samples in Kenya: driver, security guard, waitress and cleaner
Four short letters you can copy and change, each built from what Kenyan adverts for that job asked for in November 2026, plus a version for any position.
A good job application letter in Kenya is under 200 words. It gives your address and the date, names the job, says in two sentences why you fit, and lists what you've attached. Here are four full samples for a driver, a security guard, a waitress and a cleaner, plus one that works for any position. All the names are made up, so replace them with your own and only write what's true.
The format, line by line
- Your name, P.O. Box or town, phone and email, at the top.
- The date.
- The employer's address: The Human Resources Manager, the company name and its town.
- Dear Sir or Madam, or the person's name if the advert gives one.
- A heading: RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DRIVER.
- First line: the job, and where you saw it.
- Two or three sentences: what you've done that matches what the advert asks.
- What you've attached, then a line saying you're available for an interview.
- Yours faithfully if you wrote Sir or Madam, Yours sincerely if you used a name. Then your signature and name.
Before you copy any sample, read the advert twice. If it says apply on a form or a portal, do that instead. If it asks for a letter, use its words for the job title. Attach only what the advert asks for, and hold back a copy of your ID until a real employer you've checked asks for it. Our letter and email maker can fill in this layout for you.
Sample letter for a driver
Driver adverts on our board in November 2026 asked for a valid licence, knowledge of road rules, daily vehicle checks, keeping delivery and fuel records, and minor repairs. Say which of these you've really done.
Brian Mutua P.O. Box [number], Machakos 07XX XXX XXX | brian.mutua@example.com 2 November 2026 The Human Resources Manager [Company name] Nairobi Dear Sir or Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DRIVER I am applying for the post of driver advertised on Work.ke. I hold a valid driving licence and have driven delivery vans in Nairobi and Machakos for four years with no accident on my record. I check tyres, oil, water and lights before every trip, I keep fuel and delivery records, and I report faults before they become breakdowns. I have attached my CV and copies of my driving licence and certificate of good conduct. I am available for an interview and a driving test at a time that suits you. Yours faithfully, Brian Mutua
Don't claim a licence class or a PSV badge you don't hold. Our guide on driver jobs explains the licences.
Sample letter for a security guard
Security adverts on our board in November 2026 were mostly for supervisors and control rooms. They asked for a KCSE certificate, in one case a D+ or above, past experience, report writing, sharp observation and a clear criminal record. Mention a certificate of good conduct only if you hold a current one.
Peter Kiptoo P.O. Box [number], Eldoret 07XX XXX XXX | peter.kiptoo@example.com 2 November 2026 The Human Resources Manager [Company name] Eldoret Dear Sir or Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF SECURITY GUARD I am applying for the post of security guard that I saw on Work.ke. I hold a KCSE certificate and have worked for three years as a guard at a shopping centre in Eldoret, on day and night shifts. I control visitors at the gate, keep the occurrence book and write clear reports. In that time I have never been late for a handover. I have attached my CV and copies of my KCSE certificate and certificate of good conduct. I am ready for an interview whenever you need me. Yours faithfully, Peter Kiptoo
If you have no experience, lead with your KCSE, your reliability and any training you've finished. Nobody should ask you to pay for a uniform or training before you're hired.
Sample letter for a waitress in a hotel
Hotel and restaurant adverts on our board asked for good communication, a presentable and customer-focused manner, teamwork, a fast pace, and flexible hours including weekends and public holidays. Some asked for a hospitality course. Some didn't ask for any experience.
Faith Akinyi P.O. Box [number], Kisumu 07XX XXX XXX | faith.akinyi@example.com 2 November 2026 The General Manager [Hotel name] Kisumu Dear Sir or Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF WAITRESS I am applying for the post of waitress at your hotel, which I saw on Work.ke. I have a certificate in food and beverage service and spent six months on attachment at a restaurant in Kisumu, where I served up to 15 tables a shift, took orders and handled M-Pesa payments. I am friendly with guests, I stay calm when it is busy, and I can work evenings, weekends and public holidays. I have attached my CV and a copy of my certificate. I can come for an interview at any time you choose. Yours faithfully, Faith Akinyi
If you're applying for a job abroad, check the agency and the contract first, and never pay to be placed. Our scam check can help.
Sample letter for a cleaner
Cleaner and housekeeper adverts on our board asked for about a year or two of experience, basic knowledge of cleaning products and safe handling, the fitness for long shifts, and being reliable and able to work alone. A showroom post also asked for experience with cleaning machines.
Mary Wambui P.O. Box [number], Thika 07XX XXX XXX | mary.wambui@example.com 2 November 2026 The Human Resources Manager [Company name] Nairobi Dear Sir or Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF CLEANER I am applying for the post of cleaner advertised on Work.ke. I have worked for two years cleaning offices in Thika. I know how to handle cleaning chemicals safely, I look after the equipment, and I can work alone without being supervised all day. My last supervisor can confirm that I come on time and leave rooms ready for use. I have attached my CV. I am available for an interview at any time. Yours faithfully, Mary Wambui
Check the pay against the gazetted minimum for cleaners in your area before you accept.
A letter for any position
Use this when your job isn't listed above, such as a supermarket attendant or a shop assistant. Fill the brackets from the advert.
[Your name] P.O. Box [number], [Town] [Phone] | [Email] [Date] The Human Resources Manager [Company name] [Town] Dear Sir or Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [JOB TITLE] I am applying for the post of [job title] that I saw on [where you saw it]. I have [your training or experience, with how long]. In my last role I [one thing you did that the advert asks for]. I can also [second thing the advert asks for]. I have attached my CV and copies of [only the documents the advert asks for]. I am available for an interview at a time that suits you. Yours faithfully, [Your name]
Mistakes that sink a letter
- Copying a sample without changing it. Employers read many that look the same.
- Sending originals. Send copies, and keep your originals for the interview.
- Adding your ID number, tribe, religion or marital status. The letter doesn't need them.
- Writing that you badly need the job. Say what you can do instead.
- Paying anyone to pass your letter on. Applying is free, and nobody should pay for a job.
Sources and further reading
Explore this topic
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a job application letter in Kenya?
Your address and the date, the employer's address, a greeting, a RE: line naming the job, two or three sentences on why you fit, what you've attached, then Yours faithfully and your name.
How long should an application letter be?
Under 200 words is enough for most jobs. One page at the most.
Should I end with yours faithfully or yours sincerely?
Yours faithfully after Dear Sir or Madam. Yours sincerely after a person's name.
Can I send my application letter by email?
Yes, if the advert gives an email address. Attach the letter and CV as PDFs and use a clear subject line, or put the letter in the email itself.