IEBC expands diaspora voter registration to 26 countries
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has expanded its diaspora voter registration from the current 12 to 26 countries in a move aimed at making more Kenyans living abroad to participate in the August 2027 General Elections.
The commission at the same time has denied allegations appearing in sections of the media claiming that it is illegally registering voters from neighboring countries.
In a statement, the Commission chairman Erastus Ethekon pointed out that Kenyans in diaspora also deserve to participate in the forthcoming elections as part of their constitutional obligations.
“The Commission has approved the process for mapping additional countries to enhance participation of Kenyans abroad, with diaspora registration scheduled to be undertaken upon the launch of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration Phase II (ECVR II), in accordance with the applicable legal and operational framework,” Mr Ethekon said.
Voter registration of Kenyan citizens residing outside Kenya was initially undertaken in a limited number of countries during the 2013 General Election and the reach was subsequently expanded in successive General Elections, extending to 12 countries in the 2022 General Election.
Mr Ethekon pointed out that Kenyans residing outside the country have a constitutional right to participate in the electoral process.
In expanding the diaspora registration, Mr Ethekon said the move is in line with Article 82(1)(e) of the Constitution which requires the progressive registration of citizens residing outside Kenya and the progressive realization of their right to vote.
“The Commission therefore wishes to clarify that diaspora voter registration is not a surreptitious or informal process. It is a constitutionally contemplated and progressively implemented electoral function, undertaken through designated mechanisms and under the supervision of the Commission,” Mr Ethekon said.
Mr Ethekon warned against misinformation on claims that it is registering Ugandans as voters saying such information is calculated to undermine public confidence in the integrity, security and credibility of Kenya’s electoral processes.
“The Commission notes with grave concern the continuous dissemination of misleading and unverified information by sections of the media, groups and individuals, through mainstream and social media platforms, concerning its constitutional mandate and ongoing preparations for the upcoming General Election,” Mr Ethekon said.
“Commission urges the public and all stakeholders to distinguish between credible evidence and unverified allegations, misinformation or sensationalist claims. The Commission shall continue to provide factual information on its processes and shall not be diverted from its constitutional mandate by unfounded assertions intended to undermine public confidence in the electoral process,” Mr He added.
Mr Ethekon said that despite the allegations, no entity, organization, group or individual has submitted to the commission any credible evidence supporting any such allegations of illegality and malpractice.
He said that where credible evidence is presented, the Commission shall take appropriate action including disciplinary action, investigation into criminal conduct and where culpability is established, criminal prosecution and punishment shall be undertaken in accordance with the laws of Kenya.
“Registration of voters is governed by the Constitution and the applicable electoral laws. Article 88 (4)(a) mandates IEBC to conduct continuous registration of citizens as voters and the Elections (Registration of Voters) 2012, Regulation 13 (2)(a) stipulates that a person who wishes to be registered as a voter shall, make an application to, the Registration Officer for the Constituency in which the person wishes to be registered,” Mr Ethekon said.
Registered Kenyans abroad
In April this year, the commission urged the National Assembly to either or amend Regulation 34 (2) of the Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations 2012 in order to allow it to register Kenyans in diaspora outside the current designated areas.
Currently, the regulations limit voting and registration of voters only in Kenyan Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates.
Article 38 of the Constitution, which guarantees every adult a right to be registered as a voter and vote without any restrictions.
Further, Article 82 requires electoral law to provide for the progressive registration of citizens residing outside the country and progressive realization of their right to vote.
As of 2025, data from the ministry indicates that there are estimated 1,464,676 registered Kenyans spread across 111 countries.
The commission however says out of the 1,464,676 only 62,688 are registered with Kenyan diplomatic missions and just 10,443 as voters leaving out 1,454,233 eligible Kenyans who are locked out from participating in elections.
In addition to the 1,454,233, the commission also said it is targeting approximately 400,000 voters from 16 new countries.
The 16 new countries where the commission told Parliament that intends to expand the diaspora registration and voting include Saudi Arabia, Botswana, Oman, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ghana, Italy, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Ireland, Turkey, Ethiopia, China (Guangzhou), Mozambique and mobile centres in South Africa, Canada, UK and US.
In a bid to achieve the 1.8 million registration of new diaspora voters, the commission said it needs Sh502 million but has only been allocated Sh400 million warning that the deficit risks jeopardizing the commission’s plan on diaspora activities.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.