IEBC reveals 2027 ballot paper colours as voter registration push continues

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has unveiled the colour system that will be used to distinguish ballot papers and ballot boxes during Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

The move is aimed at making it easier for voters and election officials to identify the six elective positions on the ballot and place each paper in the correct box.

Under the system announced by IEBC, each ballot paper will have a corresponding ballot box lid bearing the same colour.

The six colours are:

President — White
Member of National Assembly — Green
Senator — Yellow
Governor — Light blue
Woman Representative — Purple
Member of County Assembly — Beige

The colour coding will apply across polling stations as Kenyans vote for the six positions on Election Day.

How the colour system will work

A voter will receive six ballot papers, each representing a different elective position.

The colour of each paper will match the lid of the ballot box where it should be deposited.

The system is intended to reduce confusion at polling stations, particularly where voters are handling several ballot papers at the same time.

It also gives election officials an additional visual reference when sorting and managing ballots.

However, the colours are only an identification aid. Voters will still need to read the names, photographs and other details on each ballot paper before marking their preferred candidate.

IEBC urges Kenyans to register

Alongside the announcement, IEBC renewed its appeal to eligible Kenyans who are not yet registered as voters to do so ahead of the 2027 election.

The commission said registration is available at constituency offices and Huduma Centres.

The registration drive will be an important part of preparations for an election in which Kenyans will elect leaders at six levels.

The 2027 polls are expected to test the IEBC's preparations on several fronts, including voter registration, electoral technology, ballot production, logistics and the management of polling stations.

For voters, however, the first practical step is straightforward: ensure they are registered and understand how the ballot papers will be identified before polling day.

Six positions, six ballot papers

The colour scheme means voters will have to handle six separate ballots during the election.

The white presidential ballot will be placed in the white-lidded box, while the green National Assembly ballot will go into the green-lidded box.

Similarly, the yellow Senate, light-blue governor, purple Woman Representative and beige MCA ballots will each have their matching boxes.

The announcement gives voters an early look at one of the most visible aspects of the 2027 election process, even as the commission continues preparations for the polls.

With the election still ahead, IEBC's message to Kenyans is that preparation should not be left until polling day.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.