Kenya Expands Diaspora Voting to 16 More Countries Ahead of 2027 Elections
- Apr 16
- 1 min read
Kenya’s electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has announced plans to extend diaspora voter registration to 16 additional countries as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The new countries targeted include Saudi Arabia, Botswana, Oman, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ghana, Italy, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ireland, Türkiye, Ethiopia, China, and Mozambique. The move is aimed at increasing participation among Kenyans living abroad.
According to IEBC acting CEO Moses Sunkuli, the expansion will focus on countries with significant Kenyan populations. He explained that factors such as population size, cost, and logistical feasibility are guiding the decision.
Current data shows that about 1.46 million Kenyans live outside the country, but only a small fraction are registered voters. In the 2022 elections, just over 10,000 diaspora voters were registered, highlighting a major gap in participation.
To improve access, the commission plans to deploy mobile registration centres in key locations, particularly in countries like South Africa, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where large numbers of Kenyans reside.
Despite the expansion, IEBC faces funding challenges. The commission estimates it needs about Sh502 million for diaspora voting activities but has only been allocated Sh400 million, raising concerns about implementation.
Legal limitations also remain a hurdle. Current regulations tie diaspora voting to the presence of Kenyan embassies, which restricts wider access. IEBC is now seeking legislative support to amend these rules and allow more flexible voter registration.
The initiative is part of Kenya’s broader constitutional commitment to ensure citizens abroad can progressively exercise their right to vote, as the country works to strengthen inclusivity in its electoral process.
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