When the United Nations General Assembly recently voted on renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), the world watched closely. This vote was not just procedural, it was a litmus test of where nations stand on protecting the rights of some of the most marginalised people in the world.
For Kenya, the decision was more than a diplomatic formality. It was a moment to affirm our constitutional values, international human rights commitments, and the belief that dignity is not negotiable.
Across our border, Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act has ushered in one of the harshest legal environments anywhere in the world. Under this law, same-sex relationships are criminalised with penalties including life imprisonment and, in some cases, the death penalty for what the law terms “aggravated homosexuality.” The ripple effects have been devastating: mass arrests, violent attacks, family expulsions, job losses, and an environment of fear that pushes people into hiding.
For many Ugandans, survival has meant leaving everything behind to seek asylum in countries like Kenya, South Africa, or even further afield. UNHCR data and civil society reports show a sharp increase in asylum claims from Uganda since the law’s enactment, with Kenya serving as one of the key first points of refuge. Here, while challenges remain from xenophobia to bureaucratic delays in refugee processing there is at least some space for advocacy, legal aid, and community support.
Renewing the SOGI mandate is not about imposing foreign values. It is about recognising that we are all human beings entitled to the same rights as everyone else safety, freedom, and the ability to live without fear of persecution.
Kenya has long played an important role as a host for refugees and a voice for peace in the region. Voting to uphold the SOGI mandate would reinforce our commitment to protecting those fleeing persecution whether from war, political oppression, or draconian laws targeting personal identity. It would also signal to the region that human rights are not a pick-and-choose menu but a universal standard.
At a time when intolerance is gaining ground in some parts of Africa, Kenya has the opportunity, and the responsibility, to lead with principle. Our Constitution enshrines equality, our history shows resilience in the face of injustice, and our place in the international community demands courage.
