Evidence Brief: The Politics of Social (In) Exclusion of Sexual and Gender Minorities in Kenya

Abstract

Social exclusion can be defined as the limitation or non-realization of citizens' economic, social, and political rights. This evidence brief examines the social and political exclusion faced by sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Kenya, where ambiguous state policies, restrictive laws, and widespread societal rejection combine to produce persistent stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations. It argues that institutionalized practices, societal structures, and cultural norms of discrimination play a central role in marginalizing SGM individuals, limiting their access to economic opportunity, social participation, and political voice. Produced by the African Population and Health Research Center under the Challenging the Politics of Social Exclusion project, the brief examines the mechanisms, actors, and power dynamics that drive both exclusion and, where present, inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in Kenyan society. It offers evidence-based insight for policymakers, civil society, and advocacy organizations working to understand and address the structural drivers of SGM exclusion in Kenya.