Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Erastus Ethekon says Kenya’s diaspora community plays a crucial role in the democratic and economic development of the country.
Ethekon, who said the commission was working on expanding the voting infrastructure for diaspora, made the remarks during the 2026 Diaspora Trade & Investment Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where he was accompanied by two other commissioners. The annual event is organized by the Association of Kenya Diaspora Organizations Incorporated (AKDOI).
“You all know the role that the diaspora plays. All the speakers here have spoken to the fact that Kenyans in the United States and indeed elsewhere, whether in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or other parts of Africa, are part and parcel of the growth at home,” Ethekon said.
“That is why we, as IEBC, and indeed the government of the Republic of Kenya, have always been thinking about you as our diaspora.
“The fact that you moved to the United States does not change the fundamental fact that you are Kenyan citizens and enjoy the rights that are enshrined in our constitution, Chapter Four,” he added.
Strengthening ties
Ethekon stated that the electoral commission will strengthen the existing ties between the government and the diaspora community spread across various parts of the world.
“Therefore, you continue enjoying all those fundamental rights, including your political rights. The Kenyan government recognises the diaspora as a critical partner in national development and is committed to strengthening this relationship,” the IEBC chief continued.
“We are charged as one of those institutions of governance that should strengthen relationships with our diaspora by recognising the importance of socio-economic and political roles that they play in shaping the future of our republic.”
IEBC promise
Apart from strengthening ties, Ethekon said the IEBC will dutifully play its role in ensuring the diaspora community participates in the political and democratic development of the country.
“You are such an important segment of our society, and so, being such an important segment of our society, we at IEBC can only do our bit in ensuring you are included and effectively participate in checking our democratic journey,” he added.
“It is therefore in that context that we are also committed to extending our services to Kenya’s diaspora by registering you, ensuring you get your registration up-to-date, and ensuring we administer voter education effectively in our electoral processes.
“More importantly, facilitating your realisation of the right to choose your leaders.”
Ethekon and his fellow commissioners at the IEBC are expected to be in the public limelight more as the country heads towards the 2027 general elections.
