Kenya in the Global Context

Kenya is the 4th biggest epidemic in the world, with an estimated, 1.6 million

people living with HIV

44%

20%

15%

14%

4% 3%Heterosexual couples within a union/steady patnerships

Casual heterosexual sex

MSM/Prison

SW & clients

IDU

Health facility realted in-fections

Sources of HIV infections

Source: Kenya Mode of Transmission Study, 2008

Humanitarian Emergencies in Kenya

Cyclical and on-going…protracted complex ‘multi-hazard’ emergencies

“we’re going to have another 2011”

conflicts, internally displaced, refugees, floods, drought, fire, epidemics… and the urban scene –

informal settlement and urban slum

Many LGBTI live and migrate to cities - a growing humanitarian catastrophe, in search for Human Rights

Legal and socio-cultural environment in Kenya

Sex between men is criminalized as ‘carnal knowledge against the order of nature’ and ‘gross indecency’, both carrying hefty prison sentences

Current constitution recognises marriage only based on free consent with members of opposite sex

LGBTI persons are considered ‘not African’ Limited mention of LBTI in policy instruments

Against this backdrop, and in the face of likely trauma and breakdown of social order, we need to navigate a

safe space for LGBTI to enjoy protection and access prevention, treatment and care

Advocacy, Preparedness and Response

Getting to the facts, uncovering the evidence, and building the case for LGBTI… In the context of global stigma and discrimination

o Information of the plight of LGBTI groups is hard to findo Highlighting LGBTI leads to greater alienation & discriminationo Humanitarian Principle: ‘do no harm’

“There is persistent refusal to register organizations openly dealing with MSM issues, therefore making it difficult for these organizations to access funds and other resources to work with their communities.”

Sex workers, Men who have Sex with men, People who Inject Drugs (PWID) and Prison Population Priority areas on NSP

Draft MARPS policy 2013Established national program Multisectoral Technical Working Group

Key Populations - Kenya National Policy the right environment

Opening up Political Spaces….

“MARPs are Kenyans and they have rights like anyone else”.

Ministers’ Remarks-Esther Murugi

Photograph of the Minister special Programmes and Representatives of the MSM communities on a Daily newspaper papers draws public outcry: 30th Sept 2010

Nairobi, 10 Feb 2014

Vulnerability and Action