The politics of social (in) exclusion of sexual and gender minorities in Kenya

Published On: July 8, 2025
Briefing Papers
Advocacy, Policy Engagement and Communications

Social exclusion can be defined as the limitation or nonrealization of citizens’ economic, social, and political rights. In Kenya, sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience stigma, discrimination, and violation of their human rights due to ambiguous state policies and laws and widespread societal rejection and pressures. Social exclusion is characterized by the limitation or non-realization of a citizen’s economic, social, and political rights. Institutionalized practices and cultures, societal structures, and norms of discrimination and stigma play a key role in the marginalization of sexual and gender minorities. Given the complexities around social exclusion and its various mechanisms in practice, exploring the context of exclusion (and processes of inclusion) is critical to unlocking the implications of social exclusion and inclusion and the interests, power dynamics, decision-making and practices of key actors influencing social exclusion and inclusion of these individuals.