It's disrespectful for IEBC to group Kenyans living abroad with prisoners in their system.
In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced its decision to delay the registration of Kenyans living abroad for the upcoming elections. The decision, which has been criticised as diplomatically embarrassing and politically reckless, has also been accused of demeaning diaspora Kenyans by categorising them similarly to prisoners.
The IEBC's notice states that it will issue a separate notice for the registration of citizens residing outside the country and prisoners. This classification, seen as demeaning and stripping away the recognition diaspora Kenyans deserve, has raised doubts about the IEBC's sincerity, as it follows months of consultations with the Diaspora Technical Working Group (DTWG).
Diaspora Kenyans are significant contributors to the economy, with their remittances being the single largest source of foreign exchange. Beyond their financial contributions, they are cultural ambassadors, lobbyists, and investors who elevate Kenya's global standing. They demand to be recognised as free, patriotic citizens entitled to the same urgency and respect in electoral processes.
The classification of Kenyans abroad as similar to prisoners is not only demeaning but also contradicts previous assurances of inclusion and respect. The IEBC's official action undermines Kenya's international reputation and betrays the spirit of Kenya's Constitution, which guarantees political participation for all Kenyans, including those living abroad, under Article 38.
The IEBC's gazette notice came as a surprise, as it reduced diaspora voting to an afterthought and deferred it to a later, unspecified notice. Anything less from the IEBC will disenfranchise millions and betray the spirit of Kenya's Constitution.
The IEBC should immediately clarify and correct this misstep. This could involve establishing more registration and polling centers abroad, communicating clearly, and ensuring timely inclusion in the voter roll. The IEBC's actions will be closely watched, and it is hoped that they will take swift and decisive action to rectify this situation.
The resumption of voter registration, starting September 29, 2025, primarily at constituency offices within Kenya, highlights the need for equal treatment for all Kenyans, regardless of their location. The IEBC must recognise the importance of diaspora voting and take steps to ensure that all Kenyans have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
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