About this website

Content style guide

Rules for writing and structuring pages on CitizenGuide.KE. Adapted from GOV.UK content design principles for Kenyan civic information.

Principles

• Start with the user need, not the organisation chart.
• One main purpose per page.
• Be accurate, neutral and independent of party politics.
• Prefer short sentences and everyday words.
• Say when something can change or varies by county.
• Never pretend to be government or process applications on this site.

See also the editorial policy.

Page structure

1. Breadcrumbs
2. One H1 that matches the user task
3. Short lead paragraph
4. Non-official or scam warning where relevant
5. Contents list on long pages
6. H2 sections in a logical order
7. Related links (internal first)

Language and style

• Use active voice (“Apply on eCitizen”, not “Applications may be made”).
• Expand acronyms on first use (KRA, IEBC, NTSA, SHA).
• Address the reader as “you”.
• Avoid marketing language and hype.
• English (Kenya) for primary content; Kiswahili may be added later via i18n.

Service pages

• Title starts with a verb where possible.
• Show “From:” responsible body and last updated date.
• One primary Start button to the official portal.
• Fees as a table with KSh; note that fees can change.
• Link related services and parent topic.

Links

• Prefer internal pages; use external links sparingly.
• Constitution links use /constitution/chapter/n/article/m and labels like “Article 35 — Access to information”.
• Describe the destination; avoid “click here”.
• Mark new tabs accessibly when used.

Dates, money and names

• Dates: 15 July 2026 (day month year).
• Money: KSh with spaces for thousands where helpful (KSh 1,050).
• Use official institution names first; acronyms second.

Do not

• Invent fees, deadlines or eligibility.
• Collect application data or passwords.
• Endorse parties, candidates or commercial agents.
• Use stock photo hero banners or marketing card grids as primary content.