Why should I sign up on the database?

It's the most efficient way to count you. It's also fun as you get to see the numbers and global presence of diaspora Kenyans grow in real-time. Your count will help us get needed statics. Currently, no institution seems to have complete and reliable statistics on diaspora Kenyans. This initiative pioneers real-time statistics necessary for legislating diaspora affairs.

Why iVoting? I thought IEBC took care of all voting matters

Yes, but currently, IEBC does not have a solution that allows the largest possible number of Kenyans abroad to vote. In the 2013 elections, less than 1% of diaspora Kenyans voted. IEBC has since invited diaspora Kenyans to help implement diaspora voting mechanisms, hence the iVote platform. There is also an M-Kura platform in development. Eventually, the best application will be used.

How will the database be used?

We will continue to build up the diaspora count and use the database to lobby for diaspora interests abroad and in Kenya. Meaningful goals are best accomplished using reliable statistics.

What information is requested?

The database asks for basic non-intrusive information. Your street address is NOT needed. Currently, information pertaining to iVoting is not required and these areas are greyed out. You will be able to maintain your profile and edit it anytime.

How do I know I’m an eligible diaspora voter in the next elections?

We will work closely with IEBC to ensure we have all your concerns on voter eligibility covered in time for the coming elections. No matter what your legal status in your country of residence, your right to vote as a citizen of Kenya is protected by Kenyan law and should be fully enabled. Also, you're an eligible voter by law if you -
Have a valid Kenyan ID or passport
Are 18 years or older on the day of elections
Have not been found to be of unsound mind
Have not been convicted of an election offence in the past 5 years

How did this voting implementation effort start?

The voting rights for diaspora Kenyans was enshrined in the 2010 Constitution following years of coordinated campaigns that started with the fight for dual citizenship driven by the Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA). The struggle to implement this right for every diaspora Kenyan is now driven by diaspora organizations that have signed up to a common cause through the Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA). Independent programmers have taken up the challenge to develop the best solutions for comprehensive diaspora voting.

What is the action plan on diaspora representation and voting?

Step 1: Launching a massive online diaspora count using this website
Step 2: Working with IEBC to adopt secure online and/or SMS-based diaspora voting systems
Step 3: Pushing the Diaspora Policy through successful legislation in parliament
Step 4: Strengthening our diaspora organizations to leverage grassroots capacity
Step 5: Lobbying for the placement of vetted diaspora persons in decision-making bodies

How does a diaspora database and voting implementation help me?

The database is a stats tool that helps diaspora organizations achieve the big things that make your personal dreams possible. Organizations build capacity to influence the agenda, and the agenda frames the concerns of the people. For example, if you live in Maryland, you are able to get a small business loan for your dream business because some organization used statistics to push the economic empowerment agenda, thus resulting in the funding of small businesses. Also, Dual Citizenship was won on the strength of the tens of thousands who signed up in support of the effort. These statistics shifted the game when they were tabled in front of the delegates drafting the constitution. This database provides a diaspora count. It identifies the sum of our parts, thus making it an effective tool for mobilizing and building the whole.

Voting is the direct and most powerful way to influence the agenda.