NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has warned Kenyans against taking photographs or recording videos inside polling booths ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for May 14 and July 16.
In a public notice shared on X, the electoral commission said the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot must be protected at all times during the voting process.
“Photography and video recording is strictly prohibited in the polling booth,” the commission stated.
IEBC cited Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act 2016, which criminalises the capturing of images of marked ballots without lawful excuse for purposes such as financial gain or demonstrating political allegiance.
According to the law, a person attending election proceedings who photographs or records a marked ballot commits an election offence.
The offence carries severe penalties, including a fine of up to Sh1 million, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
The commission’s warning comes amid heightened preparations for the by-elections, with election officials seeking to reinforce compliance with electoral laws and maintain voter confidentiality.
Election observers have previously raised concerns over the use of ballot photos in voter bribery schemes and political intimidation, where voters are sometimes pressured to provide photographic proof of how they voted.
IEBC has consistently maintained that the secret ballot remains a fundamental pillar of Kenya’s electoral system and democratic process.
The commission urged voters to comply with polling station regulations and cooperate with election officials during the by-elections.
