2022 — Founding of Kaya Intersex and Trans Initiative Kenya (KITI), Kenya

2022 — Founding of Kaya Intersex and Trans Initiative Kenya (KITI), Kenya

Kaya Intersex and Trans Initiative Kenya (KITI) was founded in 2022 by Hazary Abdalla to address the glaring gap in representation and advocacy for intersex and trans individuals in the South Coast region of Kenya, particularly around Likoni, Kwale county and their environs. This gap has contributed to continued widespread double stigma and discrimination, misrepresentation and limited access to essential services for Kenya’s Sexual orientation Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) communities. 

KITI’s slogan, “A chair is still a chair even if no one is sitting there,” embodies the organisation’s belief in the inherent value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their gender identity or societal acceptance. KITI envisions a society that embraces harmony, equity, and co-existences by promotion of fundamental human rights and freedom of the SOGIE community through sensitisation towards the attainment of an all-inclusive society regardless of their diverse constituents. The organisation was registered in December 2024.

Vision

To see a future where gender self determination and valid expression is seen as a basic right and matter of common human dignity.

Mission

To alleviate double stigma, discrimination, and the promotion of access to integrated sexual reproductive healthcare services for the intersex and trans communities through: advocacy, institutional strengthening, health promotion, capacity building and socio-support networking.

Thematic Areas

  • Advocacy: Focuses on raising awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting the rights of intersex and transgender individuals through policy influence, community sensitisation, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Aims to ensure access to inclusive, non-discriminatory SRHR services and information tailored to the needs of intersex and transgender persons, while addressing barriers like stigma and lack of knowledge among healthcare providers.
  • Security: Addresses the safety and protection of intersex and transgender individuals from violence, discrimination, and marginalisation through capacity building, legal support, and advocacy for inclusive laws and policies.
  • Health, including HIV and Other Infectious Diseases: Promotes access to comprehensive healthcare services, including HIV prevention, treatment, care, and addressing other infectious diseases, while emphasising mental health and psychosocial support.
  • Economic Development and Empowerment: Supports intersex and transgender individuals in gaining economic independence through skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to financial resources to reduce vulnerability and promote sustainable livelihoods.
  • Research and Documentation: Documenting the lived experiences of intersex and transgender individuals to inform evidence-based advocacy and programming.

Contact

Email: kayaintersexandtrans@gmail.com 
+254742799243
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