By Nyang’au Araka
Kenyans living abroad now want a more robust and structured platform for them to participate as voters back home.
Through the Diaspora Technical Working Group (DTWG), they have come up with a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the structural and logistical needs for their participation in the electioneering process.
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Specifically, the proposal seeks to amend the Elections Act of 2011 to establish a clear, reliable, and accessible electoral framework.
“This will ensure that Kenyans abroad can exercise their democratic rights without undue obstacles,” the group said in their submission to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) in Nairobi.
“It marks a crucial step toward realizing the full potential of our Constitution’s vision for a truly inclusive and representative democracy.”
DTWG wants the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to publish all countries with a Kenyan embassy, mission, or consulate that will act as registration and polling centers, facilitating continuous registration of diaspora voters.
The have also proposed the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee composed of IEBC officials, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and diaspora officials “to implement multiple Acts of Parliament and regulations concerning diaspora elections.”
They want the amendment of particulars of registration and voting for Kenyan citizens in the diaspora, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
Further, they have proposed regulation of the opening and closing hours of polling centers in accordance with local time zones of diaspora registration and polling centers.
Their proposal also introduces mobile registration and polling centers in areas with a significant number of Kenyans residing abroad, increasing accessibility.
West Mugirango MP, Stephen Mogaka who is a member of JLAC welcomed the initiative, saying the members had shown their commitment to be part of enhancing the country’s democracy.
“Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora play a significant role in the economic growth of their families and their country, and I’m happy they are also paying a keen attention on Kenyan electoral laws and processes,” Mogaka said.
The DTWG membership is drawn from influential leaders across political, and its operations are inclusive and representative of the entire Kenyan diaspora.
Kenyans living abroad are recognized and upheld through the proposed legislative framework and creating a robust diaspora voting system that empowers all Kenyans in the diaspora.
Meanwhile, Mogakas said as the clock ticks towards the 2027 general elections, the electoral commission should be fully constituted and ready to prepare for the exercise.
He expressed fears that delays to constitute the commission were not in the best interest of the country.
