Kenya Foreigner Certificate Photo Requirements
If you need a photo for your Kenyan Foreigner Certificate, which is commonly called an Alien Card, you must meet specific standards set by the government. This guide helps you prepare your photo correctly before you submit your application to the immigration office.
Size and Dimensions
The official pages list passport-size photos but do not give exact dimensions[1][2]. This article uses 35 × 45 mm as a practical crop; confirm the required size with the issuing office before printing.
A very common size used for this document is 35 by 45 millimeters, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1][2]. The head height is not set by the authority for this application[1][2]. You can use the tool above to crop your image to this practical size easily.
Background and Lighting
The authority requires colored passport-size photographs on a white background[1][2]. Make sure your background has absolutely no patterns, dark shadows, or unwanted objects behind you. Plain white walls work best for this official requirement[1][2].
Good lighting helps the camera capture your facial features clearly. Face a bright window or use balanced lighting so there are no heavy dark shadows on your face or the wall behind you.
What the Authority Captures
Foreign nationals residing in Kenya for more than 90 days provide two current color passport-size photos[1][2]. During your official registration appointment, your facial features and your fingerprints are also captured directly by the office staff[1][2].
The official checklist asks for two current color passport-size photos with your application[1][2].
Children and Family Rules
Many people apply for residency documents as a family group. However, no separate infant photo rules are published by the Directorate of Immigration Services for this application[1][2].
If you are helping a child get a certificate, keep their photo as clear and simple as possible. Make sure they face the camera directly with a plain white background behind them[1][2].
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself[1][2]. Keep the camera at your exact eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Stand straight and look directly into the camera lens with a relaxed face. After you take a good picture, you can upload it to the tool above to crop it to the common 35 by 45 millimeter size[1][2].
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
You need to submit physical paper copies for your application[1][2]. Save your properly cropped image onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo sheet layout.
Take this file to any local photo printing kiosk to print it as an ordinary photograph. Cut out the 35 by 45 millimeter photos carefully using scissors or a paper cutter before you bring them to the immigration office[1][2].
Common Reasons for Refusal
The official pages require current color passport-size photos on a white background[1][2]. They do not list specific photo rejection reasons.
Always check that your photo clearly shows your entire face without obstruction. Following these simple steps helps you present a clean and acceptable application package[1][2].