Make investment in diaspora vote count, Speaker Wetang’ula tells Diaspora Technical Working Group (DTWG)

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Kenyans living in the diaspora have been challenged to ensure their quest to have the existing Election Laws revised to establish more polling stations in their respective regions stands to count, owing to the recorded low numbers of registered voters who turn up to vote on polling days.

During a courtesy call to the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, the technical working group representatives were encouraged to call upon their diaspora colleagues to participate in democratic processes and carry out their civic duty.

“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 of the over 20 members bringing together Kenyan citizens and professionals residing in various regions across the world including Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East also sought to have a review of the set IEBC timelines on the opening and closing of polling centers, increase in number of days for conducting voter registration and education among others.

“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.

While the team stayed alive to the fact that electoral matters are political processes often clouded with budgetary constraints in the actualisation of various proposals said they were ready to offer ant support to advance their quest to improved Kenya’s democratic space through legislative and policy reforms.

“We are ready to work hand in glove with the IEBC on how technology can be used, we are aware of the budgetary constraints and the priorities of the country but we are also a resource,” said a member of the group.

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.

Acknowledging that their proposals were justifiable both in law and fact, I challenged them to go for the low hanging fruits that were achievable in the short term.

“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. The difference between winning and losing a presidential election is often just a few hundred thousand votes. But if the diaspora vote is only 10,000, no one will spend millions campaigning for it. To convince politicians that the diaspora vote matters, we must show them real numbers.” He added.

The Speaker however acknowledged that the diaspora had more to offer the country as 2024 Central Bank of Kenya statistics show that diaspora remittance stood at an estimated Kshs. 600B.

“Remittances from yourselves is not money sent to the government or to parliament or to wherever, it's money you send to your relatives, but it is the source of stability for foreign exchange. right now diaspora remittances are more than our tea exports, more than our food exports. Even if you are not giving the money to the government. Now doing this noble duty, what do you want in return of the government? Yes. I don't believe that all you want is to be given a vote. You should demand a lot more. Also address other more important issues that you need as do for you, like giving your tax breaks and tax rebates on what you do.” Wetang’ula stressed.

The Speaker was joined by Hon. George Murugara (Chairman, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee) and Hon. Major Bashir (Vice Chairman, Committee on Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations).