The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised concerns over persistent challenges affecting voter registration among Kenyans living abroad.
On Friday, April 17, Acting IEBC Chief Executive Officer Moses Sunkuli appeared before the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee, where he pointed out the wide gap between the estimated number of Kenyans in the diaspora and those who are registered to vote.
He noted that although more than 1.4 million Kenyans are believed to live abroad, only 10,443 registered as voters during the 2022 General Election, with a turnout of 57.76 percent.
Voter Registration Abroad Faces Setbacks, IEBC Raises Concern Over Ongoing Challenges. Photo: Courtesy.
Sunkuli said preparations for the 2027 General Election are currently focused on strengthening institutional coordination, aligning legal and policy frameworks, and improving operational readiness.
However, he acknowledged that limited funding continues to be a significant challenge in expanding diaspora voter registration efforts.
According to the Commission, approximately Ksh502 million is required to support diaspora voter registration and participation, while only Ksh400 million has been allocated.
The Commission is currently unable to conduct diaspora mapping and voter registration activities due to insufficient funding in the current financial year.
Sunkuli further noted that engagement with the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee is ongoing in efforts to secure additional funding in the next financial year.
He added that, if funds are released on time, mapping and registration activities could begin as early as July.
IEBC cited the limited number of registration centres as a key barrier to diaspora voter participation, noting that in the 2022 General Election voting was only conducted in 12 countries.
The Commission also pointed to low awareness among Kenyans abroad as a major factor behind poor registration and turnout, despite efforts such as adjusting voting hours across time zones.
IEBC officials further noted that the use of national IDs outside the East African region has previously been rejected by the courts, and said the Commission is implementing a Supreme Court directive to gradually expand diaspora voting in line with each electoral cycle.
