Diaspora voter registration kicks off in Canada and UAE

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati addressing press in Naivasha on January 7, 2022. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kenya has begun listing voters in Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has commenced the exercise delayed in the two countries due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The voter listing will run for 15 days in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver consulates, as well as the Kenya embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai.

On January 21, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati announced the start of voter registration for Kenyans residing outside the country, an exercise expected to take 15 days in 18 registration centres. The gazetted centres are USA, Canada, UK, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa.

By last month, IEBC had registered 1,054 people abroad, processed 1,072 transfers and 806 particulars’ changes. 

Kenya High Commissioner to Canada Immaculate Wambua led citizens to enlist as voters in Ottawa. A team from the electoral agency; Tabitha Mutemi, William Kahindi, Clifford Rono and Laura Egessa met with embassy staff on Wednesday to lay down registration strategies.