Unlike many Western job markets, a CV photo is common practice in Kenya — but it isn't always the right choice. Here's how to decide.
Unlike the UK, US or much of Europe — where a CV photo is often actively discouraged to avoid bias — including a professional photo on a CV is common and generally accepted practice across much of the Kenyan job market. That does not mean it is always the right choice for every application.
For most private sector applications in Kenya — banking, corporate, hospitality, sales and customer-facing roles — a small, professional photo in the top corner of your CV is standard and expected. For international organizations, most NGOs, tech companies with foreign hiring teams, and increasingly for roles processed through ATS software, a photo is unnecessary and sometimes actively discouraged.
When in doubt, check whether the job advert or company career page shows example team photos or staff bios. If staff photos are prominent on the company's own site, a CV photo is more likely to be culturally expected.
A recent headshot, well-lit, plain or neutral background, professional dress, facing the camera with a natural expression
A cropped photo from a group picture, a selfie, sunglasses, casual clothing, or a heavily filtered/edited image
If you do include a photo, keep it small — roughly passport-photo size in a top corner of the page — rather than a large image that dominates the first page and pushes down your actual content. Never use a photo where you cannot clearly see your face, and avoid group photos, holiday photos, or images with visible watermarks from another platform.
If you're unsure, prepare two versions of your CV — one with a photo for local Kenyan companies and government applications, and one without for multinational and NGO applications. It takes a few minutes and removes the guesswork per application.