IEBC Plans New Diaspora Polling Centers as CVR Rolls Out

When Ann Nderitu, Commission Secretary of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission told NTV on September 29, 2025 that the commission would open new polling stations for Kenyans abroad, she sparked a rare moment of optimism among a diaspora that has long felt shut out of its own elections.

The announcement came as the Continuous Voter RegistrationKenya kicked off across the country. While the current round of registration does not include overseas voters, the IEBC said it is already mapping out extra embassies, consulates and even community centres in countries where the Kenyan diaspora numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

Why the diaspora matters now

Kenya’s 2025 population estimate puts the overseas community at roughly 1.46 million people, a figure that could swing tight races in swing constituencies. Of that total, only about 629,688 have been recorded at high commissions or embassies – a fraction that underscores the logistical nightmare of travelling hundreds of miles, or even hopping on a plane, just to register or cast a ballot.

"The right to vote does not stop at the border," said Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana, IEBC Commissioner and chair of the Voter Education Committee. He explained that the commission is rolling out a "closed kit" for voters who want to register for a constituency back home while living in Nairobi, and an "open kit" for those who prefer to vote from their hometown abroad.

Technological upgrades and their pitfalls

Beyond brick‑and‑mortar polling sites, the IEBC is pushing a digital overhaul. Iris scans, biometric verification and a new online portal (verify.iebc.or.ke) are being introduced to curb duplicate entries and stale records. Critics, however, note that these tools have not yet undergone public consultation, raising concerns about privacy and legal compliance.

In a tandem effort, the commission is coordinating with the National Registration Bureau to cross‑check death records, ensuring that the voter roll reflects only living citizens. This clean‑up is especially crucial for overseas registrants, where outdated records have historically inflated turnout figures.

Stakeholder dialogue: From the State Department to community leaders

Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, OGW hosted a consultative meeting with Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. Abdallah warned that low registration numbers, logistical bottlenecks and a perception of tokenism could erode trust if not addressed promptly.

Njogu assured the panel that her department will channel data‑driven strategies, fund outreach campaigns and explore electronic voting pilots in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada – the three countries that host the largest Kenyan communities.

What’s next: Enhanced Voter Registration and by‑elections

The IEBC has slated an "Enhanced Voter Registration" phase after the upcoming by‑elections, with a second round slated for the next financial year. Unlike the current CVR, the enhanced phase will incorporate diaspora voters, prison inmates and other groups previously excluded.

Commission Secretary/CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, MBS emphasized that the rollout will eventually reach all 57 Huduma Centres nationwide, providing a unified platform for both domestic and overseas Kenyans.

Impact on Kenyan democracy

If the expanded polling network materialises, analysts predict a modest but decisive shift in voter composition. In constituencies like Nairobi County and urban Rift Valley, the diaspora’s leanings could tip the balance in tightly contested seats.

Moreover, the move signals a broader commitment to inclusivity, a theme echoed by civil‑society groups who have long urged the IEBC to modernise its processes. Whether technology, logistics or political will will keep pace remains an open question, but the conversation is finally moving beyond "if" to "how".