The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is working on a plan that could allow more Kenyans living abroad to take part in next year’s General Election.
The commission wants to increase the number of countries where diaspora voting will be conducted from the current 12 to 26. This move is aimed at making it easier for Kenyans outside the country to register and vote, but it is facing financial and logistical challenges.
While appearing before the National Assembly Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee, the IEBC Acting Chief Executive Officer Ledama Sunkuli explained that the commission has not yet started voter education or registration for Kenyans abroad due to a shortage of funds.
He noted that although the commission requested more funding, it only received Ksh.400 million, which is less than what is needed to support the expanded plan.
Sunkuli told the committee that the commission is hoping to receive additional funding from July so that it can begin the necessary activities. These include educating Kenyans living abroad about the voting process and later registering them as voters.
However, he raised concern about delays in funding, saying that money often comes late in the budget cycle, which affects planning and implementation.
The Deputy IEBC CEO Ruth Kulundu also spoke on the matter, confirming that the lack of timely funding has slowed down preparations. She explained that without early financial support, the commission cannot effectively carry out diaspora engagement, which is key to ensuring that Kenyans abroad are informed and ready to participate in the election.
Despite these challenges, the IEBC remains committed to expanding its reach. The commission has identified 16 additional countries where it hopes to introduce voting.
These include Saudi Arabia, Botswana, Oman, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ghana, Italy, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ireland, Türkiye, Ethiopia, China, and Mozambique. If successful, this expansion would significantly increase the number of Kenyans who can take part in the electoral process from outside the country.
Sunkuli pointed out that the commission’s long-term goal is to include as many Kenyans abroad as possible, but this depends on available resources and other operational factors.
He emphasized that while the intention is clear, the final outcome will depend on whether Parliament approves additional funding.
In addition to funding, the commission is also seeking legal changes to improve how diaspora voting is conducted. It has asked lawmakers to support an amendment to Regulation 34 of the Elections Regulations.
Currently, this law limits voter registration to Kenyan embassies, high commissions, and consulates. The proposed change would allow the IEBC to use a more flexible and data-driven approach in choosing registration and voting locations.
