IEBC Announces Plan to Expand Diaspora Voting Ahead of 2027 General Election

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced plans to expand voting opportunities for Kenyans living abroad ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The initiative is part of the Commission's Election Operations Plan for 2025–2027 and is based on the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which guarantees political rights to all Kenyan citizens regardless of where they live. It builds on the gradual expansion of diaspora voting since it was first introduced through diplomatic missions during the 2013 General Election.

The IEBC plans to review the laws, policies and regulations that govern voter registration and participation outside Kenya. The Commission says the review will strengthen the legal and operational framework for diaspora voting while making the process more efficient, inclusive and credible.

The Commission also intends to increase the number of registration centres and polling stations in more countries. The expansion is expected to improve access to electoral services for thousands of Kenyans abroad by reducing the barriers that have limited participation in previous elections.

To support the programme, the IEBC plans to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the National Treasury and diaspora organisations. The partnerships are intended to improve coordination, strengthen public outreach and secure the resources needed to expand services. 

The Commission also plans to develop memoranda of understanding and coordination frameworks with key stakeholders while increasing engagement with diaspora communities. A key objective of the plan is to increase the number of registered diaspora voters before the 2027 polls. 

The IEBC aims to achieve this by gazetting additional registration and polling centres and expanding voter outreach programmes. The Commission says the expansion reflects the growing importance of Kenyans living abroad in the country's social, economic and political affairs. 

It also notes that the principle of progressive realisation will guide the process, with each election cycle expected to improve access to voting for citizens outside the country.