Preparing Your Kenya Student Pass Photo
You need two recent passport-size color photographs when you apply for a student pass in Kenya[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the right size.
Official Size and Requirements
The official information covers student, research, and internship passes[1]. The supplied research says applications require two recent passport-size color photos, but the official page does not specify exact dimensions. This guide uses 35 × 45 mm as a practical crop.
That commonly requested size is 35×45 mm, which translates to 1.38×1.77 in[1]. You should always double-check with the issuing office to confirm your photo requirements before you start your application. Standard passport sizes can vary by country, so verifying this detail prevents delays. If the office requests a different format, you can adjust your plans accordingly. Taking a few extra minutes to check the rules saves you time later.
Background and Lighting
The supplied research says the authority requires recent passport-size color photos but does not specify a background color or photo dimensions. Use a plain background for clarity.
Face a bright window to get soft, natural light evenly spread across your face. Good lighting helps the office staff clearly see your features without harsh glare or dark spots. Avoid standing directly under harsh ceiling lights that create deep shadows under your eyes or chin. Natural light from the front or side gives the best results for identification photos. Take a few test shots to check the lighting before you make your final selection.
Head Height and Framing
The official guidelines do not set a specific rule for head height in your student pass photo[1]. Without a mandatory measurement, you should rely on standard framing principles for identification pictures. Place your head in the middle of the frame with a little space above your hair and around your shoulders. Position the camera right at your eye level to avoid looking up or down.
Stand about 1 to 1.5 meters away from the camera lens to keep your face from looking distorted. Having a friend take the picture helps you hold the right posture and angle. Taking multiple test shots lets you choose the clearest one before you process the image. Make sure your shoulders stay square to the camera and your body faces forward.
Glasses, Expression, and Head Coverings
The official instructions do not specify rules for glasses, head coverings, or facial expressions[1].
If you wear prescription glasses, check that the frames do not hide your eyes and that no flash glare reflects off the lenses. Removing your glasses entirely can sometimes prevent unexpected issues if the office prefers bare faces. Always prioritize clarity so your identity is easy to verify. Keep your mouth closed and maintain a neutral facial posture if possible.
Rules for Minors and Dependents
The supplied research says minors require parental consent and that no separate photo rules are published. It does not establish that the official page sets the same photo requirement for minors.
Make sure you prepare two printed copies for a child's application just as you would for an adult student pass. Photographing children can take extra patience, so try to take the picture against a plain wall when they are calm. Keep their shoulders square to the camera and check that their face is fully lit. Having someone hold a toy near the camera lens can help the child look in the right direction.
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
You must submit physical printed copies for your student pass application[1]. Specifically, the guidelines require two recent passport-size color photographs[1]. Digital uploads alone will not finish your submission requirements. You can use the tool above to crop your picture and place it onto a standard photo template.
Print this layout as an ordinary 4×6-inch photo at a local store printing kiosk. Printing a 4×6 sheet is affordable and gives you multiple cutouts. Cut out your 35×45 mm photos carefully with scissors or a paper cutter before you submit your physical paperwork to the immigration office. Keep the edges straight and clean so the office staff can handle them easily.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Kenya student pass photo?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) is the size most often asked for[1].
How many photos do I need to submit?
You need two recent passport-size color photographs for your application[1].
What background color should I use?
The authority gives no background color or dimensions, but requires recent passport-size color photos[1].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
The official guidelines do not specify rules for glasses[1].
Do I need printed or digital photos?
The application requires printed photos[1].