Lived experiences and public perceptions of sexual and gender minorities in Kenya

Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, queer, and other gender non-conforming (LGBTQ+) people in sub-Saharan Africa face identity-based violations of their human rights and injustices arising from stigma and discrimination across socioecological levels. In Kenya, the increasing prominence of LGBTQ+ activity is accompanied by the persistence of legal sanctions against same-sex behavior and the perpetuation of deep-seated cultural prejudices. These factors perpetuate harassment, discrimination, and acts of violence against individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, Kenya’s Penal Code contains provisions that prohibit same-sex activities as an unnatural offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Religious and heteronormative social norms adversely affect the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there is inadequate data on the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people.

To gain more insights into the situation for LGBTQ+ people in Kenya, the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) implemented a mixed methods study to understand the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people and the general public’s perceptions of LGBTQ+ issues. We explored the current situation for LGBTQ+ people in terms of factors contributing to, and the nature and forms of social exclusion. Specific aspects examined in the study included daily experiences of stigma, discrimination, human rights abuses, the well-being of, and legal framework for LGBTQ+ people. The brief summarizes the findings of a 2022 study of the lived experiences of sexual and gender minorities across four Kenyan counties, namely, Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Mombasa. The study highlights the impact of societal attitudes, health challenges, and access to support services for LGBTQ+ individuals across the four regions. In Kenya, the increasing prominence of LGBTQ+ activity is accompanied by the persistence of legal sanctions against same-sex behavior and the perpetuation of deepseated cultural prejudices. These factors perpetuate harassment, discrimination, and acts of violence against individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.