IEBC, FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY JOIN FORCES TO EXPAND DIASPORA VOTING AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS
NAIROBI, KENYA | OCTOBER 15, 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has stepped up efforts to expand electoral participation among Kenyans living abroad following high-level talks with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on facilitating diaspora voting ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meeting, led by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, HSC, and Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, focused on strengthening collaboration to make voting more accessible, organised and cost-effective for Kenyans in the diaspora.
Chairperson Ethekon reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to progressively expanding diaspora participation in the country’s electoral processes, in line with the constitutional right of adult citizens to vote.
He said the Commission would continue working with the Ministry and Kenya’s diplomatic missions to improve diaspora voting arrangements, guided by available population estimates and information on Kenyans living abroad.
The discussions come as attention turns to the preparations for the 2027 General Election, with the participation of eligible Kenyans outside the country remaining an important issue in broadening democratic representation.
PS Sing’Oei reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the IEBC through Kenya’s diplomatic infrastructure, which currently comprises 70 missions abroad, according to the statement.
He emphasised that the Ministry’s role would be to complement the Commission’s work while respecting the IEBC’s constitutional independence.
“Kenya stands out as a beacon of hope in democracy and electoral management. The 2027 General Election will attract global attention, placing the Commission in the international spotlight. Our role is to complement and support your work while fully respecting the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC),” said Sing’Oei.
Eligible Kenyans living abroad can register and vote in presidential elections at designated Kenyan embassies, high commissions and consulates, subject to the applicable electoral requirements and arrangements.
As the country moves towards the 2027 polls, the success of efforts to expand diaspora voting will depend on practical arrangements that enable eligible citizens abroad to participate in the electoral process.
#2027GE #17NovemberByelection #KuraYakoSautiYako
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