Graduation Sash Guide: Colours, Wording and Sizes in Kenya

Graduation day is a big deal in Kenyan families, whether it is a university degree, a college diploma or a little one finishing PP2. A satin sash adds colour to the photos and makes the graduate stand out at the ceremony and the party afterwards. This guide helps you choose the colour, print, wording and size, whether you are buying one sash or ordering for a whole class.

Who buys graduation sashes

• Parents and relatives surprising a graduate at the ceremony or party
• Schools ordering for a whole PP2, Grade 6 or Form Four class
• Colleges and training institutions marking a cohort
• Graduates themselves for photo shoots and celebrations
• Friends planning a graduation party

Step 1: Choose your wording

All-Pod sashes come printed with:

• "Congratulations" – warm and general, great as a gift from family and friends
• "Graduate" – simple and bold, ideal for the graduate to wear in photos
• "Class of 2026" or "Class of 2027" – marks the year, a lovely keepsake for schools and cohorts

Tip: Double-check the year before ordering. Some institutions hold ceremonies early in the following year, so make sure the year on the sash matches the class, not just the ceremony date.

Step 2: Pick a satin colour

Sashes come in black, white, gold, navy and maroon satin. Ways to choose:

• Match the gown. If the graduate's gown is black, a gold, white or maroon sash stands out nicely. With a navy gown, gold or white works well.
• Match the institution's colours. Many schools and universities have official colours. A sash in the same colour looks neat in group photos.
• Match the party theme. If you are planning a black and gold party, carry the same colours through to the sash.
• For a whole class, pick one colour so the group looks uniform on stage.

Step 3: Gold or silver print?

• Gold print is warm and celebratory. It pops on black, navy, maroon and white.
• Silver print has a cool, modern look and works well on black and navy.

On a gold satin sash, a contrasting print colour keeps the lettering readable. If unsure, ask the All-Pod team which print shows best on your chosen colour.

Step 4: Get the size right

Sashes come in adult and kids sizes.

• Adult size suits university, college and secondary school graduates.
• Kids size is made for PP2 and lower primary graduations, so the sash does not drag or slip off small shoulders.

For upper primary pupils, consider their height. Taller children may be better in adult size.

Ordering for a whole class

Schools and class committees often order sashes for every learner. A few tips:

1. Get the final class list first, including any learners who joined late.
2. Split by size if your class includes a range of heights.
3. Agree on one colour and wording with the head teacher or committee.
4. Order a few spares in case of last-minute additions or a damaged sash.
5. Order early. Graduation seasons are busy, especially from October to December for many schools and colleges. Give yourself several weeks before the ceremony.
6. Name one contact person for delivery to the school.

Wearing and caring for the sash

• Drape it over both shoulders so the ends hang evenly in front, or over one shoulder if the style suits the gown.
• Use a small safety pin at the back of the neck to stop it sliding during the ceremony.
• Iron on low heat on the reverse side, never directly on the print.
• After the day, fold it neatly and store it with the graduation photos as a keepsake.

Final checklist

• Wording: Congratulations, Graduate or Class of 2026/2027
• Satin colour and gold or silver print
• Adult or kids size
• Quantity, plus spares for class orders
• Ceremony date and delivery address

Celebrate the achievement in style. Order your graduation sash on All-Pod and we will deliver it anywhere in Kenya.