The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) today held the inaugural session of its Technical Working Group (TWG) on Diaspora Voter Registration and Elections in collaboration with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA). The meeting marked the formal commencement of the TWG’s activities, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen the participation of Kenyans living abroad in national elections.
Chaired by Commissioner Ann Nderitu, who heads the Commission’s Electoral Operations, the meeting focused on reviewing and adopting the Terms of Reference (TORs) that will guide the TWG’s operations. The group’s mandate includes reviewing the legal and policy frameworks governing diaspora voting, assessing existing participation measures, and developing practical mechanisms to enhance electoral inclusion.
Commissioner Ann underscored that the TWG will function independently, with minimal involvement from the Commission’s leadership.
“The role of Commissioners and the Chair will remain minimal. The TWG will carry out the technical work and present its recommendations to the Commission for policy consideration,” she clarified.
Reflecting on previous diaspora voter registration exercises, Commissioner Ann highlighted that despite substantial financial investment, the outcomes were modest. She urged the team to prioritize innovation, efficiency, and value for money.
“We need to find better, smarter ways to ensure that Kenyans abroad are effectively registered and able to vote, without incurring unsustainable costs,” she said.
Representing the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Edwin Limo, Director of Liaison and Partnerships, reiterated the Department’s commitment to collaborating with the Commission to achieve the constitutional mandate.
“We are committed to working closely with the IEBC to ensure that eligible Kenyans abroad are registered and can exercise their right to vote,” he affirmed.
The establishment of the TWG marks a significant step toward strengthening Kenya’s electoral inclusivity by addressing logistical, legal, and administrative barriers that have historically limited diaspora voter participation.
