The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has expanded voter registration for Kenyans living abroad from 12 to 26 countries as part of preparations for the August 2027 General Election.

The move is aimed at widening access to electoral services and enabling more eligible Kenyans in the diaspora to participate in the country’s electoral process. The commission says the expansion is part of the progressive realisation of the constitutional right of citizens living outside Kenya to register and vote.

During the 2022 General Election, diaspora voting was available in 12 countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

For the 2027 elections, the IEBC is adding 14 countries, bringing the total to 26. The additional countries include Saudi Arabia, Botswana, Oman, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ghana, Italy, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ireland, Türkiye, Ethiopia, China and Mozambique.

The commission says the expansion is intended to make electoral services more accessible to Kenyans living and working outside the country, particularly in areas with significant Kenyan populations.

IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdalla said the commission is committed to expanding opportunities for Kenyans in the diaspora to exercise their democratic rights. She said the electoral body would continue working with relevant government agencies and Kenyan diplomatic missions to facilitate voter registration and participation abroad.

The expansion comes as the IEBC intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election. The commission has projected a voter register of approximately 28.5 million by the next election, compared with 22.1 million registered voters in the 2022 polls.

According to the IEBC’s Election Operations Plan, increasing the number of countries participating in diaspora elections and establishing additional registration centres are among the commission’s priorities for the 2027 electoral cycle. The commission is also working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diaspora organisations to improve outreach and voter registration services.

The move is expected to reduce some of the logistical challenges faced by Kenyans living abroad who previously had to travel long distances to access designated registration and polling centres.

The issue of diaspora participation has attracted increasing attention in recent years, with Kenyans living abroad calling for greater access to voter registration and polling facilities. Parliamentary discussions have also highlighted challenges such as travel costs, distance to diplomatic missions and other logistical barriers that can make participation difficult for eligible voters.

The IEBC has also indicated that technology will play an important role in improving electoral services for Kenyans abroad. The commission is exploring technological solutions to make voter services more efficient and accessible.

However, electronic voting will not be available for the 2027 General Election. Kenyans in the diaspora will still be required to vote physically at designated polling centres. IEBC officials have said the commission is considering the legal and technological requirements for possible electronic voting in the future.

The commission has also been engaging Kenyans in the diaspora to provide information on electoral processes and gather feedback on the challenges they face.

The expansion from 12 to 26 countries represents a significant increase in the geographical coverage of diaspora electoral services compared with the 2022 election. It forms part of the IEBC’s wider efforts to promote inclusion and strengthen participation ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Constitution provides for the progressive registration of Kenyan citizens residing outside the country and the progressive realisation of their right to vote. The IEBC says its current initiatives are intended to advance that constitutional requirement while ensuring that electoral processes remain orderly, transparent and verifiable.

As preparations for the 2027 General Election continue, the commission is also working on strengthening the voter register through biometric registration and verification. Eligible voters are expected to have opportunities to confirm their details and ensure that their information is accurately captured ahead of Election Day.

The expansion of diaspora registration is therefore part of a broader electoral preparedness programme that includes voter registration, civic education, logistics, technology and engagement with stakeholders.

With millions of Kenyans living outside the country, the increased number of registration and polling locations is expected to provide more citizens with access to electoral services without necessarily requiring them to return to Kenya to participate.

The IEBC has maintained that a clean, accurate and verifiable register of voters is central to the conduct of credible elections. Its preparations for 2027 are consequently focused on ensuring that eligible Kenyans, including those living abroad, are able to participate within the framework provided by law.

The 2027 General Election is scheduled for August 10, 2027, and the IEBC has already begun implementing its election operations plan as it prepares for the nationwide exercise.

The commission’s expansion of diaspora voter registration to 26 countries marks another step in widening electoral access beyond Kenya’s borders. For eligible Kenyans living in the newly included countries, the move will provide an opportunity to access voter registration and, subject to the applicable requirements, participate in the 2027 electoral process from abroad.