Kenyans living abroad are launching an ambitious campaign to secure direct parliamentary representation through 15 dedicated diaspora constituencies, arguing that their enormous economic contributions justify a voice in national lawmaking ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Despite channeling over Ksh780 billion in annual remittances, surpassing combined earnings from tourism, tea, coffee, and foreign investment, the diaspora remains excluded from Kenya’s legislative process.
Their proposal calls for repealing sections of the Elections Act to create roughly 15 constituencies mapped to global regions, with each sending a Member of Parliament and a Senator under a bicameral framework. Representing over one million eligible voters, diaspora leaders insist that political inclusion is long overdue.
“We’re a Decisive Electoral Force Being Ignored”“Kenyan diaspora commands over one million votes, a decisive electoral force whose engagement cannot be overlooked. Despite remitting US$4.95 billion (Sh637 billion) in 2024, we remain excluded from legislative decision-making,” declared Kenyan Canadian Association (KCA) President Ephraim Mwaura.
Mwaura unveiled the Diaspora Bicameral Parliamentary Framework Proposal at Brampton City Hall during Kenya’s 62nd Independence Day celebrations. The event was attended by President William Ruto’s Special Advisor Jaoko Oburu Odinga and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Carolyne Kamende.
Blockchain Voting and Global Constituencies City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada H.E. Amb. Carolyne Kamende Daudi, and Hon. Jaoko Oburu Odinga, Special Advisor to the President of Kenya, cut a cake to celebrate Kenya’s Independence Day during the flag-raising ceremony in Ontario, Canada.The framework proposes diaspora constituencies across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, paired with blockchain-based digital voting platforms modeled after successful systems in Estonia, Switzerland, and India.
Additional measures include expanding voter registration, streamlining ID and passport renewal, and linking diaspora savings to Kenya’s Diaspora Bond programme to transform remittances into structured savings, credit facilities, and community development investments.
“The diaspora is a transnational constituency. Bicameral parliamentary representation integrates our voices into Kenya’s legislative process, while resources can be managed effectively through existing embassies, consulates, and the Department of Diaspora Affairs,” Mwaura said.
Learning From International ModelsThe initiative draws inspiration from countries like France, Italy, Portugal, and Senegal, where citizens living abroad enjoy full legislative representation.
Mwaura pointed out that the 15 proposed constituencies would address pressing issues affecting Kenyans overseas, including dual citizenship, taxation, labor protections, investment security, consular services, and reintegration support. He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to pilot secure digital voting systems in Canada, home to a large and geographically dispersed Kenyan population.
County 48″ Symbolism Isn’t EnoughMwaura argued that genuine parliamentary representation, rather than symbolic gestures such as designating the diaspora “County 48,” provides the only meaningful path to inclusion. Kenya’s diplomatic infrastructure including embassies, consulates, and the Department of Diaspora Affairs could handle administrative support without creating parallel governance structures.
With diaspora remittances now surpassing tourism, agriculture, and foreign direct investment, Mwaura said continued exclusion from national decision-making is economically and politically unsustainable.
“Parliament must amend the Elections Act and empower IEBC to implement diaspora representation and digital voting systems,” he insisted.
If adopted, the proposal could transform Kenya’s electoral landscape, adding over one million voters to the 2027 election cycle. Diaspora advocates are now intensifying lobbying efforts across global Kenyan communities while awaiting consideration by parliamentary committees and the IEBC.
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