The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya is considering a significant expansion of diaspora polling centres for the 2027 General Election. Currently, Kenyans living abroad can vote in 12 countries, but the commission plans to increase this number to 26. This move aims to enhance the voting experience for Kenyans residing outside the country. IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated that the commission has approved the process of mapping additional countries as it prepares to launch the second phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR II).
The proposed expansion is part of IEBC's Diaspora Engagement Framework, which includes identification and mapping of Kenyans living abroad, voter education, stakeholder engagement, voter registration, and facilitation of electoral participation. The framework ensures that residence outside Kenya does not extinguish a citizen's constitutional right to participate in the electoral process. Article 82(1)(e) of the Constitution requires the progressive registration of citizens residing outside Kenya and the progressive realisation of their right to vote.
In the 2022 General Election, Kenyans living abroad could vote in 12 countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The planned expansion will add 14 countries to the list, although the specific countries have not been disclosed. IEBC said the expansion will require mapping the additional countries and establishing mechanisms for registration and voting.
The IEBC chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, emphasized that diaspora voter registration is a constitutionally contemplated and progressively implemented electoral function. He challenged anyone with evidence of malpractice to present it to the commission or relevant investigative agencies rather than rely on unverified claims. Ethekon assured that where credible evidence is presented, the Commission shall take appropriate action.
The commission's plan to expand diaspora polling centres comes as it continues preparations for the 2027 General Election. IEBC seeks to increase participation among Kenyan citizens living outside the country. The commission will continue engaging Kenyans abroad and other stakeholders as it maps additional countries and prepares for the next phase of diaspora voter registration.
Diaspora voter registration was first introduced on a limited scale during the 2013 General Election and has been progressively expanded since then. The registration process is scheduled to be undertaken during the second phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration. IEBC assured that the process would be conducted under the applicable legal and operational framework rather than through informal arrangements.
The proposed expansion of diaspora polling centres aims to enhance the voting experience for Kenyans living abroad. The commission's efforts to increase participation in the electoral process are ongoing, with a focus on ensuring that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.
Key points
- The IEBC plans to expand diaspora polling centres from 12 to 26 countries for the 2027 General Election.
- The expansion aims to increase participation among Kenyan citizens living outside the country.
- The commission will continue engaging Kenyans abroad and other stakeholders as it maps additional countries and prepares for the next phase of diaspora voter registration.
