This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
On August 24, 2019, Kenya embarked on a historic census that marked a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by intersex individuals. The inclusion of an intersex category in the census was a result of efforts by campaigners who pushed for the recognition of intersex people as a distinct group.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the move aims to ensure equality of provision for educational needs, communal identity, and medical healthcare, as well as eradicate stigmatization. Article 27 of the Kenyan Constitution protects all persons from discrimination due to their sex or birth among other parameters.
However, despite this progress, intersex people continue to face widespread discrimination. Many have been shunned by their families, bullied at school, and struggled to find employment, with some even facing physical abuse.
One such individual is Mary Waithera, now known as James Karanja, who was born intersex. Waithera's experience is a testament to the challenges faced by intersex people. They were misidentified as male or female and often called names, leading to feelings of neglect, embarrassment, and ridicule.
Waithera's story highlights the need for greater understanding and acceptance of intersex individuals. The United Nations Office of Human Rights estimates that 0.05 to 1.7 percent of children are born intersex, which would put the numbers of intersex people in Kenya between 24,000 and 800,000.
