Strategic adviser Fred Okango has called on the government to make it easier for Kenyans living abroad to participate in elections.
Okango says Kenyans in the diaspora should be given a convenient way to exercise their constitutional right to vote without facing unnecessary challenges.
His remarks come as preparations for the 2027 General Election continue, with the issue of diaspora voting receiving increased attention.
Currently, Kenyans living abroad who are eligible to vote must use designated polling centres, mainly at Kenyan embassies, high commissions and consulates. This arrangement can make voting difficult for citizens who live far from the designated centres.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced plans to expand diaspora voting ahead of the 2027 election. The commission has indicated that the number of countries covered is being increased from 12 in 2022 to 26 for the 2027 polls.
IEBC officials have also discussed the possibility of introducing electronic voting for Kenyans abroad in the future. However, the commission has clarified that electronic diaspora voting will not be available during the 2027 General Election.
For the upcoming election, the focus is instead on expanding physical voting centres and making electoral services more accessible to Kenyans living outside the country.
Okango's call adds to the wider discussion about how Kenya can increase political participation among citizens in the diaspora.
As the 2027 election approaches, the question of how Kenyans abroad will register and cast their ballots is expected to remain an important part of the electoral debate.