Relief for Kenyans Abroad as IEBC Moves to Expand Diaspora Polling Centers

Kenyans living abroad could soon have an easier time registering to vote, as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) plans to expand diaspora polling centers into new jurisdictions.

Commission Secretary Ann Nderitu stated on September 29 in an interview on NTV that while diaspora voters will not participate in the ongoing continuous voter registration, the commission is working on targeted measures to address long-standing access concerns.

“For now, diaspora voters won’t be included in the ongoing registration, but plans are in motion,” Nderitu said.

“We are considering adding more polling stations within the countries we already serve, and we are also expanding to additional countries to capture as many Kenyans as possible.”

Currently, the IEBC operates polling centers in approximately 12 countries, primarily within embassies and consulates.

Diaspora Voter Registration Challenges

The limited locations have forced many eligible voters, particularly in large countries such as the United States, to travel hundreds of miles and, in some cases, fly to register or cast a ballot.

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Nderitu said the commission has engaged diaspora communities and is weighing technological options, including electronic voting.

“Part of what the commission is toying with is e-voting,” she said. “We’re asking ourselves: can technology be used, and can it be tested when it comes to diaspora voting?”

The issue has been a persistent demand among Kenyans abroad, who contribute over KSh 600 billion annually in remittances, making them important stakeholders in the country’s economy and governance.

While no timeline has been provided, Nderitu stressed that inclusivity in the next electoral cycle remains a top priority.

IEBC Resumes Continuous Voter Registration

This announcement follows the IEBC’s statement that continuous voter registration will resume on Monday, September 29, 2025.

In a statement, the commission said registration will be available at all constituency offices across the country, except in areas where by-elections are currently taking place.

Services include new voter registration, updating or correcting details, and transferring registration to a new electoral area.

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Voters can also confirm their details online through the commission’s verification portal at verify.iebc.or.ke.

To be eligible, one must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18 or older, hold a valid national ID or passport, and not have registered before.

Individuals convicted of election offences within the past five years or declared of unsound mind are not eligible.

IEBC said the exercise is particularly aimed at first-time voters, especially young people who recently turned 18, as well as those who need to update their records.

“This exercise is a critical step to ensure all eligible Kenyans have the chance to take part in shaping the country’s democratic future,” said IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon.

The commission added that it has undertaken several preparatory measures to guarantee the process is transparent, inclusive, and efficient.

Under Article 88 of the Constitution, IEBC is mandated to conduct continuous voter registration as part of its core responsibilities.

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