diff --git a/documentation/kernel-dev/kernel-dev-common.xml b/documentation/kernel-dev/kernel-dev-common.xml
index 25a41d381d..c0acac8316 100644
--- a/documentation/kernel-dev/kernel-dev-common.xml
+++ b/documentation/kernel-dev/kernel-dev-common.xml
@@ -347,7 +347,14 @@
                         configuration task as follows:
                         <literallayout class='monospaced'>
      $ bitbake linux-yocto -c kernel_configme -f
-                        </literallayout></para></listitem>
+                        </literallayout>
+                        This step ensures that you will be creating a
+                        <filename>.config</filename> file from a known state.
+                        Because situations exist where your build state might
+                        become unknown, it is best to run the previous
+                        command prior to starting up
+                        <filename>menuconfig</filename>.
+                        </para></listitem>
                     <listitem><para>Run the <filename>menuconfig</filename>
                         command:
                         <literallayout class='monospaced'>