Kenyans in diaspora demand more polling stations, electoral reforms ahead of 2027 polls
They argued that increasing funding to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs will facilitate voter registration, mobile consular services and additional polling centres.
Kenyans in the diaspora have called for more polling stations ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the need to uphold their constitutional right to vote and enhance their participation in Kenya’s governance.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, on Tuesday, the Diaspora Working Group which advocates for electoral participation among Kenyans living overseas, emphasised that every Kenyan, regardless of location, has a constitutional right to vote.
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The group, led by Danson Mukile from the USA, said they have proposed amendments to the Elections Act to expand voting rights by increasing polling centres abroad ahead of the 2027 elections.
They argued that increasing funding to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs will facilitate voter registration, mobile consular services and additional polling centres.
“With increased funding, the State Department can establish mobile consulates and polling stations, enabling Kenyans abroad to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” Mercy Kamanja from Scotland/UK said.
The group comprises representatives from the USA, UK, Scotland, Belgium, Germany, China, Finland and Saudi Arabia.
Robert Chiuri from the USA emphasised the importance of early preparations.
“We have been in existence for more than a year and a half, advocating for amendments to the Elections Act to enable Kenyans in the diaspora to vote. We want to start the process early to ensure full participation in the 2027 elections.”
Committee members led by Vice Chair Bashir Abdullahi expressed support for expanding diaspora voting rights.
Bashir acknowledged the contributions of the diaspora, particularly their remittances, which reached Sh662 billion in 2024. He lauded the contribution of the Kenyan diaspora, particularly their significant economic impact through remittances.
Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku stressed the principle of fair representation.
“There cannot be taxation without representation. It is enshrined in the Constitution. We need to do more to support the diaspora’s right to vote, increase polling centres, and enhance mobile consular services.”
Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchory raised concerns about the financial constraints facing the country but acknowledged the importance of civic education.
“This team is asking us to make voting more accessible. However, we currently lack IEBC commissioners, and the country is facing a financial crunch. How do we leverage technology in developed countries to enhance civic education and voter participation?” he posed.
Enhance voting technology
Shinyallu MP Fred Ikana emphasised the need to enhance technology in the voting process, stressing that voting should not be restricted to the presidential election but should also include other elective positions.
“We need to find ways to harness technology so that the diaspora can exercise their democratic rights. Voting should not be limited to the presidential election but extended to other elective positions,” he said.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan called for a stronger representation framework for Kenyans abroad, emphasising the significant economic contribution of the diaspora and encouraged them to advocate for greater political influence.
“I support the right to vote for the diaspora. I will argue your case in Parliament. You, as diasporans, are an economic superpower in this country. Demand a bigger voice and more representation. Look at the Philippines — they have a dedicated ministry for their diaspora, special passports, tax exemptions, and political representation. Kenyans abroad should demand a greater voice,” he said.
Bashir assured the diaspora representatives that the committee will work closely with the State Department for Foreign Affairs to address gaps in voter access.
“We are all in agreement that every Kenyan has the right to vote, whether in the country or abroad. The key question is how practical it is. As a committee, we are reviewing our missions and considering introducing Honorary Consuls in strategic locations to bridge the existing gaps, as is the case in other countries,” he said.
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