Key 2027 election dates and what makes a campaign poster work in Kenya: a clear portrait, a name readable from 10 metres and one message.
Campaign posters that work in Kenya have a clear portrait, a name you can read from 10 metres and one simple message. Start early, so your photos and designs are ready well before campaigns open in late May 2027.
Key dates for 2027
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 9 February 2027 | Public officers who want to run must resign by this date |
| By early May 2027 | Party primaries finish |
| Late May to early August 2027 | Campaign period |
| 10 August 2027 | General election |
Work backwards from these dates. Your portrait and posters should be ready for the primaries, which come first. Confirm the dates with the IEBC, as they can be updated.
Start with the portrait
The portrait carries the poster. Voters see your face before they read a word. A phone selfie in a dim office will not hold up on a large print.
- Good light. Soft, even light on the face, with no harsh shadows under the eyes.
- A plain background. It keeps the focus on you and makes the designer's job easier.
- Eye level. A camera at eye level looks direct and honest. Shooting from far below or above can look odd on a poster.
- Clothes that suit the role. Choose a solid colour that works with your party colours. Avoid busy patterns and visible brand logos.
- More than one expression. Get a warm smile and a serious, confident look. You will use both.
Design for 10 metres
Many people see a campaign poster from a moving matatu, across a road or on a crowded wall. Design for that moment.
- Your name, big. It should be readable from 10 metres. Print your draft at full size, pin it up and test it from across the room or the street.
- The seat you are running for. MCA, MP, Woman Representative, Senator or Governor. Make it the second thing people read.
- One message. A short line people can repeat. Three slogans on one poster means none of them sticks.
- Party colours, used correctly. Get the exact colour codes and the approved logo from your party. A slightly wrong shade looks careless beside official materials.
- Strong contrast. Use dark text on light, or light text on dark. Thin fonts and text over busy photos disappear at a distance.
Running as an independent? Choose two strong colours and use them on everything, from posters to WhatsApp graphics.
Speak to every voter
Make Swahili and English versions of your main poster. Some wards may also need a version in a local language. Keep the layout the same, so the set looks like one campaign.
Sizes you will need
Plan one design that adapts to print and to phones.
- Print: A3 and A2 posters, banners and larger formats for billboards or vehicles.
- WhatsApp and social media: square and portrait versions for posts, plus a tall version for Status.
- Handouts: flyers that repeat the same portrait and message.
Campaign material moves fast through WhatsApp groups. Make sure the phone versions stay sharp and readable at small sizes.
Video: short and clear
A 30-second video suits WhatsApp Status and social media. Say who you are, which seat you want and one thing you will do. Film in good light with clear sound. Viewers forgive a simple camera far sooner than muffled audio.
Our founder, Assumpta Jonathan, holds a Film and TV Production certificate. That means we can plan your portrait session and your video together. See our video production service for more.
A simple campaign timeline
- Before the primaries. Book your portrait session and agree your main message. Prepare a first poster set and WhatsApp graphics for party members.
- After nomination. Update your designs with any final party details. Approve the full print run and order early, as printers get busy.
- During the campaign. Keep the same portrait and colours, and refresh your WhatsApp graphics as events come up.
Common mistakes to avoid
- A small phone photo stretched to poster size, so the face looks soft and blurry.
- Too much text, with the full manifesto squeezed onto one poster.
- A different look on every poster, so voters cannot connect them.
- Spelling errors in your name, the seat or the ward. Ask two people to proofread before printing.
Check the rules yourself
The IEBC and your party set rules on campaign materials, timing and conduct. Your county may also control where posters can go. Check these rules yourself before you print. This guide covers design only, and it is not legal advice.
Our aspirant kit
We offer an aspirant kit for candidates at any level. It includes:
- a portrait session;
- a poster set;
- a 30-second video.
Every campaign is different, so we quote each kit on its own. We are non-partisan and welcome aspirants from any party, as well as independents. Read more on our campaign posters and photos page.
If your party already supplies a poster template, you may not need a full kit from us. A strong portrait may be all you need.
Get a quote
Tell us the seat you are running for, your county and your timeline, and we will send a quote for your campaign. Reach us through our contact page or on WhatsApp at +254 748 220 249.
