This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
For the first time in Kenya's 56-year history, the upcoming census will ask a question on gender beyond the traditional male and female, marking a significant step towards inclusion for intersex individuals.
According to PlannedParenthood.com, intersex is when someone's sexual and reproductive anatomy doesn't seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. 'Being intersex is often caused by one of many genetic or hormonal conditions, but it isn't a medical problem.'
Kenyan society has long branded intersex individuals as taboo cases or considered them to have had an abnormality or deficiency within themselves. This has led to many intersex persons hiding from the rest of the world due to negative stereotypes attached to them.
However, with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) introducing a new directive after discussions with the Registrar of Societies in Kenya, recognizing the Intersex Persons Society of Kenya (ISPK) last year, the topic of intersex is now trending on social media sites.
As the 2019 Kenya Census approaches, KNBS is advising parents to voluntarily give information on intersex children, and for intersex persons to freely come out, with the process being fully confidential between the census official and themselves.
By collecting data on intersex persons, the government will have primary source data for planning and detailing of individuals in the country, which will help in considering planning for health, education, employment, businesses, and insurance covers.
Published on August 19, 2019.
