Intersex and Albinos To Be Counted In Kenyan Census

This weekend’s national census in Kenya will take into account intersex people and people with albinism. This is a great decision welcomed by the 700,000 out of almost 50m Kenyans who identify as intersex.

Intersex is the third gender used by people who do not identify as either male or female. The census which will take their number, is a first for Africa. Intersex people face great levels of discrimination and violence accentuated by cultural and religious underpinnings.

The founder of the Intersex Persons Society of Kenya (IPSK) Ryan Muiruri, said the group welcomed the government’s decision as getting information about intersex people in the census will help people understand the struggles they endure in the country.

People with albinism will also be counted exclusively. Their condition has now been classified as a disability and hopes are high that a definite number will help the government put in place stringent policies to safeguard their well-being. Albinos remain the largest persecuted group in east Africa.