Judas Amani begins his shift at a Nairobi supermarket with a familiar tension in his chest. Despite holding a degree in public finance, he has had to learn that his true identity might cost him his career. “Every time I apply for a better position, I’m turned down because of who I am,” he says. In his current job, Judas hides parts of himself, hoping no one will guess his secret. But the fear of exposure has limited his career options, driving him away from the opportunities he worked hard to attain.
For Judas, his struggle is deeply internal, as he wrestles between self-preservation and authenticity, yearning for a sense of belonging in a world that often feels isolating.
This quiet struggle echoes throughout Kenya’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex) community, where many share Judas’s experiences of discrimination and exclusion in the workplace.
Homosexuality remains criminalized under Kenya’s Penal Code, which fuels social stigma and economic disenfranchisement for LGBTQI persons. According to a 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center, over 80% of Kenyans oppose the acceptance of LGBTQI individuals, a societal bias that manifests deeply in professional settings.
Kenya’s legal framework does little to shield LGBTQI individuals from discrimination. While the Constitution promises equality for all, it excludes protections for sexual orientation or gender identity, leaving LGBTQI employees exposed to widespread prejudice. The Employment Act of 2007, which outlaws discrimination based on sex, race, and religion, fails to address issues affecting LGBTQI persons, entrenching a climate of institutionalized exclusion.
In fact, in a 2020 report by the Human Rights Watch, LGBTQI workers reported experiencing biased treatment from both supervisors and colleagues, often resulting in career stagnation and forced job changes.
Carol Nyakundi, a lawyer specializing in reproductive and sexual health rights, points out that the law places LGBTQI workers at risk both personally and professionally. “Without legal protections, LGBTQI persons face challenges that no one else faces, simply for being themselves,” she notes.
Beyond legal gaps, Kenya’s deep-rooted cultural beliefs paint LGBTQI individuals as “deviant” or “immoral.” This societal pressure fosters a hostile work environment for LGBTQI people, many of whom feel compelled to conceal their identities to avoid workplace harassment or even violence. Religious conservatism further fuels this exclusion, pushing many into a double life. A report from the Kenya Human Rights Commission in 2021 found that more than 65% of LGBTQI individuals have felt forced to hide their identities at work.
Marion, a tech professional in Nairobi, notes, “The fear of exposure limits my life. Every day I live in fear of being found out.” With a warm, nurturing nature, Marion yearns for acceptance and community, yet remains guarded, feeling the weight of having to shield herself from judgment.
The impact of this exclusion goes beyond social stigma, it significantly affects economic well-being. A 2023 study by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) revealed that 80% of LGBTQI employees in Kenya had faced workplace discrimination. An analysis of their findings shows that workplace exclusion of LGBTQI persons leads to a high turnover rate, with many either leaving formal employment for informal work or taking up lower-paying jobs to avoid discrimination.
For many LGBTQI individuals, the pressure to hide their identities at work leads to severe mental health issues. Studies show that LGBTQI people in Kenya experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than their heterosexual peers. For instance, a 2022 report by the Kenya Psychiatric Association highlighted that LGBTQI individuals have a 2.5 times greater likelihood of experiencing mental health challenges compared to the general population.
Lucy, an education professional, shares, “The daily stress of hiding who I am is overwhelming. I just want to feel safe being myself.”
However, mental health services in Kenya rarely address the unique struggles of LGBTQI persons, leaving many to face their burdens alone.
Amid a hostile job market, Kenya’s burgeoning tech sector and the digital economy offer LGBTQI individuals a lifeline. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Instagram allow them to reach clients without the threat of in-person discrimination. For instance, Adrian*, a non-binary web developer, connects with international clients through freelancing websites, where their skills—not their identity—are the focus. “It’s liberating to work without worrying about who I am. I can just focus on delivering results,” they say.
Similarly, Lydia*, a lesbian entrepreneur in Mombasa, runs a cosmetics store via Instagram and WhatsApp. She recalls, “I faced harassment in traditional retail, but now I control my own business. My customers care about my products, not my identity.”
Through such ventures, LGBTQI individuals in Kenya find autonomy and safety, reshaping how they participate in the economy.
Data from the World Bank’s 2022 report on the gig economy in sub-Saharan Africa show that digital and freelance work have improved income levels for marginalized groups, including LGBTQI persons, by 30% over the last five years.
Local organizations play a critical role in bridging gaps where policy falls short. NGOs provide essential resources, including mental health support, entrepreneurship training, and access to technology, helping LGBTQI individuals navigate economic barriers.
A 2021 report from The Youth Café on digital empowerment indicated that over 70% of LGBTQI individuals who participated in its programs were able to secure work within the digital economy.
Maxmillian Ambeba, Senior Program and Research Officer at The Youth Café, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives. “Programs that equip LGBTQI people with technology skills and mental health resources are transformative, enabling them to thrive both in digital spaces and traditional labor markets,” he says.
Additionally, LGBTQI advocacy groups are pushing for legal reform and workplace inclusion through policy discussions and awareness campaigns. In a recent survey by the Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN), more than 60% of respondents supported more inclusive employment laws.
While Kenya’s labor unions have yet to fully embrace LGBTQI issues, advocacy organizations strive to create an environment where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can pursue a career without fear.
On the other hand, some multinational corporations with anti-discrimination policies have created safe havens for some LGBTQI Kenyans. Employees in such companies benefit from policies that ensure equal treatment, making them less vulnerable to discrimination.
In a 2022 study by OutRight Action International, global firms with operations in Kenya have shown significantly lower rates of reported discrimination among LGBTQI employees. Ndirangu Ngunjiri, a scholar at the University of Nairobi, notes that “LGBTQI persons are valued employees in firms that respect human rights, but those outside corporate circles often turn to freelance or entrepreneurial paths.”
Yet, for the vast majority of LGBTQI Kenyans employed in local firms or small businesses, these protections remain out of reach. To bridge this divide, some activists argue for policy changes that would standardize inclusivity across sectors, ensuring LGBTQI people have equal access to safe and supportive workplaces.
The journey toward workplace inclusion and economic equity for LGBTQI individuals in Kenya is complex, requiring shifts in legislation, social norms, and workplace policies. While technology and progressive companies provide a glimpse of progress, systemic change is essential for long-lasting impact. With sustained advocacy, support from civil society, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQI needs, Kenya can build a more inclusive economy where LGBTQI persons can thrive without fear or discrimination.
In the words of Lucy, “I dream of a day when I can go to work and be myself without having to hide. Until then, I’ll keep pushing for change, hoping that my efforts make life easier for the next generation.”
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