This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On August 11, 2019, a task force formed by the Attorney General presented a report to the government, recommending free medical services for intersex and transgender individuals in Kenya.
The report proposes that the government provide free medical insurance health cover under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to intersex persons, as well as sex reassignment surgery and other related medical services.
According to the United Nations, approximately 1.7 percent of newborn babies across the world can be classified as intersex, which translates to an estimated 23,925 to 813,425 intersex persons in Kenya, based on the country's current population of 47,848,479 million.
The task force, chaired by Mbage Njuguna Ng'ang'a, has also recommended that the ministry of health work with other regulatory agencies to protect against unintentional medical intervention and ensure effective remedy for persons affected.
Transgender activist Audrey Mbugua has been advocating for the rights of intersex and transgender individuals in Kenya, and the proposed free medical services are seen as a significant step towards recognizing and protecting their rights.
However, it remains to be seen whether the government will adopt the task force's recommendations and provide free medical services to intersex and transgender individuals in Kenya.
