IEBC Clarifies Ban on Photographing Ballot Papers to Protect Voter Secrecy
IEBC prohibits photographing ballot papers to safeguard secret voting but allows photos of results forms after counting in 2027 polls.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 24, 2026
2 min read
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified its prohibition on photographing ballot papers during voting, emphasizing the move is to uphold the secrecy of the ballot ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu explained that while voters can use phones for other purposes at polling stations, taking photos of marked ballot papers while voting or counting is not permitted. This measure aligns with the constitutional guarantee of secret ballots in Kenya.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Nderitu noted that during recent by-elections, administrative steps were implemented to ensure voters cast their ballots privately and left polling stations without photographing their or others’ ballot papers. The same protocols will be enforced in the upcoming General Election.
Photographing Results Forms Allowed
Contrasting the restrictions on ballot papers, election agents and observers are permitted to photograph official results forms once votes have been counted and results announced. These completed forms become public documents and will be accessible through the IEBC results portal, as well as displayed at polling stations.
"When it comes to the counting of votes, we even allow the agents to take the photo of the form," Nderitu said, highlighting the transparency measures designed to enable Kenyans to verify results from individual polling stations beyond relying solely on officials or agents present during counting.
Finality and Dispute Handling
The commissioner stressed that results declared at polling stations are final under Kenyan law. However, if agents or observers detect errors in results forms, these can be noted for dispute resolution purposes, but the original polling station results cannot be altered arbitrarily.
As preparations continue for the August 10, 2027 General Election, the IEBC is also focusing on voter registration and public education on electoral processes to ensure a smooth and transparent election.
