The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has again reminded the public that no one is allowed to take pictures of ballot papers at polling stations.
Ahead of 4 by-elections today, the commission warned that ballot paper photography is a breach of ballot secrecy and the sovereignty of the vote. It constitutes a violation of provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, specifically under Articles 38(3)(b) and 81(e).
The IEBC reminded voters that “Any act that compromises this secrecy, including photographing or recording a marked ballot paper, undermines the integrity of the electoral process, exposes voters to undue influence, coercion, and vote-buying, and constitutes an electoral offense.”
This reminder comes after photos of ballot papers were widely shared on social media during the by-elections held on November 27, 2025. Election observers from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) supported the IEBC’s claim of voter buying in last year’s by-elections.
In its report, KHRC noted, “There were numerous violations of the secrecy of the ballot. In the Mbeere North constituency, voters were openly encouraged to photograph their marked ballots, a tactic used to enforce vote-buying.”
The IEBC promises to enforce undefined “administrative control measures” to avoid a repeat of the same at polling booths. In addition, those who are found in violation of the secrecy of the ballot will be subject to legal penalties.
However, pictures or photos of duty-filled and certified result forms can be taken once the declaration of results has been completed successfully.
READ: IEBC to Launch Online Voter Pre-Registration Before 2027 Elections
With overall smartphone penetration standing at 80.8 per cent, ballot photography is a growing voter-buying tactic used by candidates in Kenyan elections.
