This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
On August 12, 2019, a significant step was taken towards recognizing intersex individuals in Kenya. Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura sponsored the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Bill, which aims to include intersex persons in the country's registration system.
The Bill seeks to provide for the registration of persons born with both male and female reproductive organs, ensuring that their unique gender identity is reflected in the registration process.
Intersex individuals in Kenya have historically faced stigma, making it difficult to establish their exact population. However, with this Bill, they may finally have a chance to be recognized and registered under law.
According to Senator Mwaura, the Bill will make provision for the registration of intersex persons, allowing them to identify themselves as they see fit. He stated, 'The Bill seeks to …make provision for the registration of persons born with both male and female reproductive organs. This will ensure that the registration of such intersex persons reflects their unique gender.'
The term intersex describes a person born with sex characteristics that do not match the typical male or typical female body. This Bill is a significant push towards recognizing intersex as the third gender in Kenya.
Under the proposed law, an intersex person who medically transforms to either male or female will be required to register the sex change within six months and surrender their previous identity card.
