DIASPORANS MAKE HISTORY, BECOMING THE FIRST EVER TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN A KENYAN ELECTION WHILE OUTSIDE AFRICAN SOIL

Kenyans in the diaspora are making history.

So far more than 200 Kenyans have registered to vote in the US, becoming the first ones ever to register as voters in a Kenyan election outside African soil.

Registration is open until Friday, February 4th. Kenyans can register at the Kenyan embassy in Washington DC and the Kenyan consulate offices in New York City, NY, and Los Angeles, CA.

Joyce Ekuam, IEBC Director of voter education, partnerships, and communications said she was honored to be part of facilitating this historic moment for Kenyans in the diaspora. She urged those who haven’t registered to come forward.

“Be part of this historic moment. Register to vote in this very first phase, at least you will have something to tell your grandchildren in your old age. Be a legend today,” Ekuam said.

“Be part of this historic moment. Register to vote in this very first phase, at least you will have something to tell your grandchildren in your old age. Be a legend today,” Joyce Ekuam, IEBC Acting Director of Voter Education, Partnerships and Communications.

Los Angeles Consulate office Charge d’Affaires James Omosa, who led by example bringing his family to be among the first Kenyans to register, thanked those who registered and encouraged more diasporans to show up.

“It is highly appreciated that our Government has given us this opportunity to cast our vote while away from home,” Omosa said. “I call upon those eligible to vote to take advantage of the remaining period to come to the Consulate and register.”

IEBC has extended hours to register and relaxed appointment rules.

“The Consulate is open all days of the week including weekends to receive those coming to register. Although important to book an appointment, Walk-ins are accepted,” Omosa said.

Registration continues until Feb 4th.

This is a developing story, we’ll continue to cover it as we receive more news.

Here are some photos of the history-making Kenyans registering to vote at the Los Angeles Consulate office.

Photos courtesy of  Chargé d’affaires James Omosa Rwoti, Kenyan Consulate Los Angeles

Voters in the U.S. can register by appearing in person in three locations during business hours and on weekends. Walk-ins are accepted. Click here to access IEBC website to book an appointment.

Key Requirements to Register as a voter According to IEBC Website

A Kenyan citizen residing outside Kenya who applies for registration as a voter must;

1. Have a valid Kenyan Passport
2. Be at least eighteen (18) years old

The Kenya Embassy in Washington DC, 

2249 R St NW, Washington, DC 20008

Telephone number: (202) 387 6101 or (202) 796 2079

Website: https://kenyaembassydc.org

The Kenyan Consulate in New York City, NY, 

866 UN Plaza Suite 308

New York, NY 10017 U.S.A.

Tel: (212) 421-4740 Ext 218/222

Telephone number: (202) 977 8609

Website: https://www.un.int/kenya

The Kenyan Consulate office in Los Angeles.

Kenya Consulate General in Los Angeles

3550 Wilshire Boulevard, suite 1900,

Los Angeles, California 90010

Telephone number: (213)529-4228

Website: https://www.kenyaconsulatela.com

Countries where Kenyans in the Diaspora can register to vote

Countries Where Kenyans voted in 2017 Presidential Elections

1. Uganda – (Kampala)
2. Tanzania – (Dar-Es-Salaam and Arusha)
3. Rwanda – (Kigali)
4. Burundi – (Bujumbura)
5. South Africa – (Pretoria)

Newly-Added Countries to The IEBC Diaspora Voting Plan

1. South Sudan – (Juba)
2. United States of America – (Washington DC, New York, and Los Angeles)
3. The United Kingdom – (London)
4. United Arab Emirates – (Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
5. Qatar – (Doha)
6. Germany – (Berlin)
7. Canada – (Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver)