The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is seeking Ksh502 million to support plans aimed at increasing diaspora voter registration and participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While appearing before Parliament’s Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee, acting CEO Moses Sunkuli raised concern over the low number of Kenyans abroad who take part in elections.
He pointed out that although an estimated 1.4 million Kenyans live in the diaspora, only 10,443 registered to vote in the 2022 elections. Of those registered, voter turnout stood at 57.76%.
Sunkuli said the commission has been unable to carry out key activities such as diaspora mapping and voter registration due to lack of funding in the current financial year.
This has slowed down efforts to widen access and improve participation among Kenyans living outside the country.
He explained that IEBC’s preparation strategy for 2027 focuses on aligning legal and policy frameworks, improving coordination with relevant institutions, and strengthening operational planning. However, progress in implementing these plans remains limited because of financial constraints.
The commission is now pushing for the additional funding to address these gaps and scale up its outreach and registration efforts among the diaspora.
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