Kenyan passport photo (35×45 mm)

How Kenyan Passport Photos Are Taken

Passport applicants book an appointment at a processing centre and enrol their biometrics, including photo capture^[1]. The official page gives no applicant-supplied photo dimensions or image specifications^[1]. This guide uses 35 x 45 mm as a practical crop for other uses; it is not an official Kenyan passport photo size.

At the processing centre, applicants enrol their biometrics, including photo capture^[1]. The source does not say whether staff take the photo or whether printed copies are needed.

What the Official Guidance Says

The official passport page does not give rules for applicant-submitted photos^[1]. It says applicants enrol biometrics, including photo capture, at a processing centre^[1].

Using the Tool on This Page

You may need a 35 x 45 mm photo for another document or personal use. The tool above can crop a photo to that size.

Taking a Photo at Home

If you want to take a picture at home for your own records or other applications, finding the right lighting is an important first step. Face a bright window to get soft, natural light on your face without creating harsh shadows under your nose or chin. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself, because holding the device out can tilt the angle and distort your natural facial features in the final image.

Wear plain, everyday clothing that contrasts with your background so your shoulders and upper body remain clearly defined in the frame. Avoid wearing bright reflective accessories or heavy makeup that changes your normal everyday look. Keep a calm, relaxed posture with your head straight and your eyes looking directly into the camera lens.

Camera Distance and Framing

Keep the camera at exact eye level, standing about one to one and a half metres away from your face. Stand against a plain, neutral wall so your background stays simple and completely clear of distracting objects, furniture, or patterns. Make sure you maintain a relaxed posture, keep your shoulders level, and look straight into the camera lens while the picture is being taken by your assistant.

Check that your entire head and the top of your shoulders are fully visible within the camera view before the picture is snapped. Leave a small amount of space around your head so you have room to crop the image later without cutting off your hair or chin.

Checking Your File and Head Size

The official guidance does not set a specific head height or file size limit for applicant photos since they are captured in person^[1]. You should still measure your image carefully if you are using it for a different document that requires a precise layout. Check that your face is fully visible and properly centred in the frame. Taking time to inspect these details helps you avoid common formatting mistakes before you save your final work to your device.

Printing Your Photos at a Kiosk

If you prepare a photo sheet using the tool above, you can save it as a standard 4 by 6 inch image file on your device. Take this digital file to a local print kiosk just like an ordinary family photo print. Print it on standard glossy or matte photo paper so you can cut out the individual pictures cleanly with sharp scissors. Always check the physical dimensions with a ruler after printing to make sure they match your target size perfectly.

Before You Go

The official page says applicants book an appointment through eCitizen and enrol biometrics at a passport processing centre^[1]. Check your application for the documents you need to bring.