THE KENYA AND EASTERN AFRICAN LOCAL INFLUENCER PROGRAM
BUILDING THE CASE OF THE COST OF LGBT+ DISCRIMINATION IN KENYA
In February 2019, Kenyans waited for the highly anticipated court’s ruling on the decriminalization of homosexuality. This was then postponed to a later month and the ruling was not positive for decriminalization. In the same month, we also launched our East Africa Program with the report on the economic impact of LGBT+ inclusion in Kenya. This report highlights the economic impact of LGBT+ discrimination in Kenya.
Since then, we continue to build a network of business leaders focused on acting in the public sphere to advance LGBT+ rights in Kenya and beyond. We see an opportunity for businesses to leverage the economic power they have to advance LGBT+ rights in challenging markets and our evidence-based reports are used to guide their actions toward this.
We also work with government stakeholders, NGOs and civil society organizations to ensure that our work fits into the wider National strategic plan for inclusion and decriminalization. Our round table meetings are hosted by companies on a rotational basis and are attended by approximately 10 to 20 business leaders in Nairobi. These meetings have served to share knowledge, understanding of the economic impact and other research material we have produced, advocacy strategies and networking for business leaders.
By continuously hosting business leaders, and creating sustainable networks, the conversation on LGBT+ inclusion has gradually elevated from the general religious and political rhetoric to a more factual an inclusive conversation. The businesses have also understood that supporting LGBT+ inclusion in Kenya is important, legal and the right thing to do.
Our reports have also had a great impact on helping companies become better allies by working towards LGBT+ inclusion through their SDG goals, their value chains or taking public action. We are excited about what the future holds for business and LGBT+ inclusion!
The Program Advisory Board
The Program Advisory Board is comprised of a number of experts from academia, business, activism, and economic development who are providing their input and expertise to guide the research process. We strive to ensure that all of our work is grounded in local realities and guided by the highest ethical and academic standards. This Board helps us achieve these goals.
Nelly Ndonye, Head of Strategy and Business - Finity Bind
Brian Muriuki, Managing Director and Country Chair, Ghana - Royal Dutch Shell
Otilia Phiri, Commercial Attorney, Emerging Markets - Microsoft
Lorna Dias, Executive Coordinator - GALCK
Community Partners
The Community Partners are organizations that focus on advancing LGBT+ rights in their communities to facilitates the exchange of ideas, the sharing of best practices and generates mutual inspiration to improve the social acceptance of LGBT+ people in different Kenya.
These Partners are essential for providing input and connecting our research with the communities that it will benefit in Kenya and Eastern Africa.
Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK)-Kenya SOGIE umbrella organization
National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC)-Legal organization
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)