Getting your Kenyan passport application rejected because of a non-compliant photo is a common and frustrating delay. The Directorate of Immigration Services has strict, non-negotiable specifications for biometric photos.
This expert guide details every official requirement, from dimensions to dress code, tailored for Kenyan applicants. We include proven methods to ensure your photo is accepted on the first try, saving you time and money.
Official Kenyan Passport Photo Specifications
The Directorate of Immigration Services mandates specific dimensions and technical standards for all passport photos. These are designed for biometric matching and must be followed precisely.
Size, Dimensions, and Print Quality
The official size is 35mm wide by 45mm high (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm). Your head, from the chin to the top of the hair, must measure between 25mm and 35mm. The photo must be in sharp focus, high-resolution, and printed on high-quality, glossy photo paper without any creases or smudges.
- Size: 35mm x 45mm (width x height).
- Head Height: 25mm – 35mm from chin to crown.
- Resolution: High-quality, clear, and in focus.
- Print: On glossy photo paper, no inkjet smudges.
Background and Lighting Rules
The background must be plain, light grey or off-white. It cannot be pure white. There must be no shadows, patterns, or other people/objects in the background. Lighting should be even and diffuse, avoiding flash reflections, red-eye, or shadows on the face or background.
Personal Appearance and Dress Code for Your Photo
How you present yourself in the photo is governed by strict guidelines to ensure clear facial recognition. This is not about fashion but compliance.
Facial Expression and Head Position
Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression—mouth closed, no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Your face must be fully visible, with both edges generally clear. Head should be straight, not tilted, with eyes open and clearly visible. Eyeglasses are generally not allowed unless medically essential (with a doctor’s note), and even then, no tinted lenses or thick frames that obscure the eyes.
What to Wear (And What to Avoid)
Wear your normal, everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms, whether official (like police, military) or unofficial (like school or club attire). Headgear is only permitted for religious reasons and must not cast any shadow on the face. The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face must be fully visible.
- Do Wear: Collared shirt, blouse, or modest top in a solid colour.
- Avoid: White tops (blends with background), uniforms, hats/caps.
- Jewellery: Keep it minimal. Avoid large earrings or necklaces.
- Hair: Keep it away from the face and eyebrows.
Where to Get Compliant Passport Photos in Kenya
You have several reliable options in Kenya, ranging from professional studios to convenient photo booths. Prices typically range from Ksh 200 to Ksh 500 for a set of four photos.
Professional Photo Studios
Established studios in major towns like Nairobi (CBD), Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru are familiar with the requirements. Studios like PhotoFast, Mr. Snap, or reputable camera shops in your local town centre are a safe bet. Always explicitly state the photo is for a Kenyan passport application and ask them to confirm it meets eCitizen standards.
Convenient Photo Booths and Online Services
Many shopping malls (e.g., Sarit Centre, Two Rivers, Junction) have automated photo booths that allow you to select “Kenya Passport” as the photo type. They guide you through the process and print compliant photos instantly. Some online services and mobile apps can also format your photo correctly, but you must ensure the print quality from the local shop you use is high-grade.
✔ Size: 35mm x 45mm.
✔ Background: Plain light grey/off-white.
✔ Expression: Neutral, eyes open, facing camera.
✔ Attire: Normal clothing, no uniform.
✔ Quality: High-res, glossy print, no marks.
✔ Recent: Taken within the last 6 months.
Step-by-Step: Uploading Your Photo to eCitizen
Once you have your compliant physical photos, you must upload a digital version during the online application. This digital file must also meet specifications.
- Scan Your Photo: Use a flatbed scanner at a cyber cafe or with a good home scanner. Set resolution to at least 600 DPI. Save as a high-quality JPG file.
- Crop and Size Digitally: Ensure the digital image dimensions are correct (35x45mm) and the file size is between 50KB and 1MB. Most photo editing tools or free online resizers can do this.
- Upload on eCitizen: Log into your eCitizen account, start the passport application, and when prompted, click “Upload Photo.” Select your prepared JPG file. The system will validate it. If it fails, you will see an error message and must correct the issue.
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection & How to Avoid Them
Based on common feedback from applicants, here are the top pitfalls and how to sidestep them.
| Rejection Reason | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Shadow on face or background | Take photo in evenly lit, diffuse light, not with direct flash. |
| Incorrect background colour (pure white or dark) | Use a professional studio with the correct light grey backdrop. |
| Photo is too old or doesn’t match current appearance | Take a new photo within one month of application. |
| Poor print quality (blurry, pixelated, dirty) | Print at a reputable photo lab on glossy paper. |
| Smiling, tilted head, or eyes not fully visible | Maintain a neutral expression, face the camera directly. |
| Wearing glasses or obstructive headgear | Remove glasses unless medically necessary (with proof). |
Special Cases: Children, Babies, and Renewals
The core rules apply to all applicants, but special considerations exist for infants and renewal scenarios.
For Children and Babies: The child must be alone in the photo, even if a parent’s hand is supporting them from behind (but not visible). The child should look at the camera with eyes open if possible. For very young babies, it’s acceptable if the mouth is slightly open, but the eyes must be visible. Neutral expression is still required.
For Passport Renewals: You must provide a new photo taken within the last six months. You cannot reuse an old photo from your previous passport, even if your appearance hasn’t changed significantly. The digital photo rules for eCitizen upload apply identically.
Conclusion
Adhering to the official passport photo requirements in Kenya is a non-negotiable part of a successful application. By focusing on the precise dimensions, correct background, neutral expression, and high-quality print, you eliminate the most common cause of delay. Remember, a compliant photo streamlines your entire process on the eCitizen platform and gets you closer to receiving your new passport. Use this detailed guide as your checklist to prepare perfectly and submit with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the exact passport photo size in Kenya?
The exact size is 35 millimetres in width by 45 millimetres in height (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm). Your head measurement within that frame must be between 25mm and 35mm from chin to crown.
Can I wear glasses in my Kenyan passport photo?
Generally, no. Eyeglasses are not allowed unless you have a medical certificate proving you cannot remove them. Even with a certificate, frames must not obscure your eyes, and there must be no glare on the lenses.
How recent must my Kenyan passport photo be?
Your photo must be taken within the last six months before your application date. It must be a true likeness of your current appearance. Using an old photo is a common reason for rejection on eCitizen.
Where is the best place to get passport photos in Nairobi?
Professional studios in the CBD like those near Nyayo House, or photo booths in major malls (Sarit, Galleria) are reliable. Expect to pay Ksh 250-500. Always confirm they know the latest eCitizen requirements.
Why was my passport photo rejected on eCitizen?
The top reasons are incorrect background colour, shadows on the face, low image resolution, incorrect sizing, or a non-neutral facial expression. The eCitizen portal usually gives a brief error message indicating the failure.
Can I take my own passport photo at home in Kenya?
Yes, but it is risky. You must ensure perfect lighting (no shadows), a plain light grey background, correct framing, and then get it printed in high quality on glossy paper. For most people, a professional studio is more reliable.
What should a baby wear for a Kenyan passport photo?
Dress the baby in plain, dark-coloured clothing that contrasts with the light grey background. Ensure the baby’s face is fully visible, they are looking at the camera, and no other person or supporting hands are in the shot.
