As Kenya advances into the digital age, the plight of LGBTQI individuals in the labour market remains a critical yet under-addressed issue. Despite significant strides in technology, which offer new employment opportunities, LGBTQI workers face a myriad of challenges—ranging from harassment to discrimination—mirroring the broader societal inequalities prevalent in the country. The stories of LGBTQI professionals highlight the complex intersection between identity and employment, raising important questions about inclusivity in Kenya’s evolving work environments.
One of the central challenges LGBTQI individuals face is the legal environment. Homosexuality remains criminalized under Section 162 of the Kenyan Penal Code, creating a climate of fear and vulnerability. This law not only affects their personal freedoms but also forces them into a precarious position in the workplace. “I’ve always had to be cautious about who I am at work,” shared Jane, a 30-year-old tech professional. “The law doesn’t protect us—it endangers us. It’s not just about losing your job; it’s about losing your freedom and safety.”
For many LGBTQI workers like Jane, concealing their true identities is a matter of survival. The risk of being outed looms large, as it can lead to job loss or even legal repercussions. In an already difficult labor market, being forced to hide one’s sexual orientation or gender identity compounds the challenges of navigating employment.
Kenya’s booming tech sector has been both a blessing and a curse for LGBTQI workers. While technology has provided a platform for new job opportunities, particularly in the gig economy and digital collaboration spaces, it has also opened avenues for harassment. Online work environments are not immune to the prejudices found in physical workplaces. According to Alex, a bisexual employee in the tech industry, “I constantly have to be careful about who I am, even in digital spaces. The fear of exposure is real, especially with cyberbullying and homophobic remarks becoming more frequent.”
Despite these difficulties, technology has also become a powerful tool for activism and advocacy. LGBTQI individuals have used social media and online platforms to share their experiences, raise awareness, and create communities of support. However, these digital spaces offer only temporary solace as the lack of comprehensive anti-harassment policies in most workplaces continues to marginalize LGBTQI workers. While some multinational corporations have adopted more inclusive policies, local companies often lag behind, leaving many workers vulnerable to discrimination without recourse.
The absence of robust legal protections compounds the problem. In a recent high-profile case defended by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), an employee was dismissed due to his sexual orientation. Despite constitutional protections of human dignity, the court ruled in favor of the employer, highlighting the legal gaps that perpetuate marginalization. For LGBTQI workers, this ruling sent a chilling message: the law is not on their side.
“We’re left to fend for ourselves,” lamented Brian, a transgender man working in the healthcare sector. “Every day I live with the anxiety that someone might discover my truth. The whispers and stares—they’re constant reminders that I’m not safe.”
For LGBTQI individuals, fear of being outed at work affects not only their mental health but also their professional performance. Many workers endure anxiety and depression, yet few seek help, as mental health services in Kenya are often ill-equipped to address the unique needs of the LGBTQI community.
Economic instability further exacerbates these challenges. Many LGBTQI workers find themselves underemployed or pushed into low-paying jobs, particularly in the informal sector, where protections are minimal. For those in informal industries, like sex work, the dangers of harassment and abuse are magnified. The Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA) has reported multiple cases of LGBTQI sex workers being harassed by both clients and law enforcement, with victims often extorted under the threat of exposure or arrest.
“I have a degree, but I’m working in a job that barely requires a high school education,” shared Michael, a gay man employed in retail. “I know I’m capable of more, but every time I apply for something better, I’m either turned down or mistreated during the interview process because of who I am.”
Discrimination and economic marginalization push many LGBTQI workers into the shadows, where they endure abuse and exploitation. Their vulnerability is heightened by a lack of spousal benefits and legal recognition for same-sex couples, further undermining their economic security.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, there is a growing movement for change. Civil society organizations, including the NGLHRC and FIDA Kenya, continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQI workers, providing legal aid and support. Progressive companies are also beginning to implement more inclusive policies, though these examples are few and far between.
“I’ve seen colleagues bullied out of their jobs because they were outed,” noted Lucy, an employee in the banking sector. “Without explicit policies, we’re left to navigate the discrimination on our own.”
For the tech sector, in particular, there is an opportunity to lead by example. By incorporating inclusivity into their core values, companies can create safe reporting platforms for victims of harassment and promote a culture of respect. Digital tools must be harnessed to prevent and address cyberbullying and discrimination, particularly in virtual work environments where prejudice often thrives.
As Kenya’s labor market continues to evolve, so must its approach to inclusivity. Employers, policymakers, and civil society must work together to create safe and supportive workplaces for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. In the words of James, an LGBTQI rights activist, “We just want to be treated like everyone else. We want to work, contribute, and live without fear.”
The road to inclusivity is long, but with sustained effort and commitment, Kenya can create a future where all workers, regardless of their identity, have the opportunity to thrive. The digital age offers immense potential, but only if we ensure that no one is left behind.
*This article is based on interviews with LGBTQI professionals in Kenya who spoke under the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns.
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