By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Kenyans residing abroad have been urged to actively pursue the revision of current Election Laws to facilitate the establishment of additional polling stations in their areas, particularly in light of the low voter turnout observed on election days.
During a visit to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, representatives from the technical working group were encouraged to motivate their fellow diaspora members to engage in democratic processes and fulfill their civic responsibilities.
“I engaged the IEBC when I was in the Senate for 10 years, and they kept complaining that even in places where large numbers of Kenyans abroad were given the opportunity to vote, they didn’t. Take the UK, for example, where we estimate between 300,000 to 400,000 adult Kenyans. When given the chance to register, only 790 did.” Quipped the Speaker.
The delegation, comprising more than 20 members, includes Kenyan citizens and professionals living in diverse regions worldwide, such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East.
They aimed to review the established timelines set by the IEBC regarding the opening and closing of polling centers, as well as to advocate for an extension of the voter registration and education period, among other concerns.
“In fact, most of the issues you have raised can be addressed through regulations, notices, and administrative rules rather than legislation. The challenge is also with you the diaspora. In 2013 and subsequent elections, you were allowed to vote, yet the numbers were dismally low.” Wetang’ula added.
The Speaker a strong champion of the utilisation of mobile consular service to enhance reach challenged the group to work with the line ministries and the respective departmental committees within parliament to establish more consular services. This is response to a complaint by the diaspora team on the far distances between the already existing consular units.
“When I was Foreign Minister, I prepared the first foreign policy document for Kenya, which has since been revised. I was really proud of it. I placed the diaspora at the centerpiece of our activities out there. I also prioritised our athletes because of their impact. Our national anthem is played in the most unexpected places thanks to them. I even started a program where, in places with a significant number of Kenyans, we appointed honorary consuls to assist in service provision because they understand our people better.” Wetang’ula pointed out.
Recognizing that their proposals were valid both legally and factually, the speaker urged the diaspora team to pursue the easily attainable goals that could be accomplished in the near future.
“I have been in Parliament since 1992. I have seen every election cycle, and I understand how politicians think. Immediately after elections, their focus shifts to the next election. Politicians are attracted to numbers. If the diaspora vote had real weight say, one million votes politicians would take you seriously,” Speaker Wetangula added.