The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has approved a request to co-host a diaspora virtual dialogue forum ahead of the 2027 General Election. The planned engagement will bring together electoral officials and Kenyans abroad to discuss voter registration, civic education and legal frameworks.
The move reflects growing efforts to strengthen diaspora participation and improve coordination between stakeholders in the electoral process.
In a letter dated March 25, 2026, the Commission approved a request from the Diaspora Technical Working Group (DTWG) to jointly organise the engagement.
The forum is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM East African Time.
“We are pleased to confirm our concurrence to co-host the proposed virtual dialogue forum,” the Commission said in its response to DTWG team leader Danson Mukile.
The IEBC indicated that the forum will be jointly coordinated, with Partnership Officer Joyce Onyango designated as the Commission’s contact person to support planning and communication.
“We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with your team,” the letter added.
The approval follows a formal request submitted by the DTWG on March 2, 2026, in which the group emphasised the need for structured engagement between the Commission and diaspora communities ahead of the next general election.
“The Kenya Diaspora Technical Working Group conveys its appreciation to the Commission for the continued partnership and collaboration aimed at strengthening diaspora participation ahead of the 2027 General Election,” the group said.
The DTWG highlighted previous consultations with electoral officials, particularly meetings held in Naivasha, which it said laid the groundwork for the proposed forum.
“We value the constructive engagements held in Naivasha, during which the Commissioners encouraged DTWG to coordinate a structured dialogue with the global diaspora community,” the letter stated.
According to the group, the planned forum is intended to provide a unified platform for engagement, enabling diaspora voters to access official information and interact directly with the Commission.
“This engagement will provide a unified platform for IEBC and DTWG to brief diaspora communities on key electoral matters ahead of the 2027 General Election,” the letter said.
It added that the dialogue would also allow participants to raise concerns and seek clarification on electoral processes.
“The forum will offer diaspora members an opportunity to receive official updates directly from the Commission and to seek clarity on issues of interest,” the group noted.
The DTWG had initially proposed holding the meeting on May 15, 2026 or within the same week, with a structure that would ensure joint facilitation.
“The meeting will be conducted as a co-hosted and co-moderated engagement to ensure participation, effective communication, and a well-managed dialogue,” the letter explained.
The proposed agenda focuses on four key areas considered critical to diaspora voters. These include voter registration, civic education, legal frameworks and institutional partnerships.
“Voter Registration updates on the national exercise and the diaspora registration roadmap” will form a central part of the discussions, alongside “voter civic engagement and preparedness.”
The forum will also address “policy and legal considerations – the framework governing diaspora participation toward the 2027 General” and explore ways of strengthening collaboration between IEBC and diaspora stakeholders.
To support effective implementation, the DTWG requested the designation of IEBC officials to coordinate planning and align messaging ahead of the event.
“Their involvement will support joint preparation of the agenda, technical arrangements, communication protocols, and alignment of messaging ahead of the forum,” the group said.
The diaspora team also committed to facilitating global mobilisation, moderation of discussions and post-event reporting.
“We are fully prepared to ensure a smooth, well-organized, and impactful engagement that reflects the spirit of partnership between IEBC and the diaspora community,” the letter stated.
The Commission’s acceptance of the proposal signals an ongoing effort to deepen engagement with Kenyans living abroad, whose participation has become an increasingly important aspect of the country’s electoral process.
As preparations for the 2027 General Election continue, both the IEBC and diaspora representatives appear to be placing greater emphasis on collaboration, information sharing and inclusivity.
The upcoming forum is expected to play a significant role in enhancing awareness, building trust and ensuring that diaspora voters are adequately informed and prepared to take part in the electoral process.
