LGBTQ+ students in Kenya under discriminatory attack

Earlier in January, the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya was in an uproar after the directive by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha to bar queer students from joining boarding schools. Mr Magoha said that the LGBTQ+ students were not a good example for other students who have a firm and upright upbringing.

The recent attack on the LGBTQ+ youths in Kenya is a clear sign that the community is under threat. In his public address, Mr Magoha said “ Currently, there are contemporary cases of students who are homosexuals, they have to go to day schools close to their homes.”

He argued that it is the teachers’ responsibility to think about the greater majority. He also went on further to assure the teachers to bar LGBTQ + students and to not let themselves be intimidated by children.

His remarks were met with mixed reactions and many took to social media immediately to give their opinions. Ken Ouko, a renowned Sociologist from the Nairobi University cautioned the cabinet secretary that homosexuality cannot be penalised out of the students. He brought up the issue of how homosexuality has been previously dealt with in schools. It is a known fact that most students won't openly talk about their sexuality unless they are caught red handed. In most cases, they are severely beaten , stigmatized, punished or /and expelled from school.

Mr Ouko said that such treatment has only pushed LGBTQ+ students into depression, drugs and suicide. He asked for understanding and counselling to help all the parties involved to understand that homosexuality is not a mental illness or a demonic problem that can be exorcised. This is not surprising given how many people in Africa are misinformed about sexuality,that is why most cases of homosexuality in Africa are dealt with explosive rage.

Other people asked that students should not be discriminated against based on their sexuality. It is obviously unconstitutional, discriminatory, and inhumane. It is a known fact that students who are expelled from school here in Kenya have a hard time getting into another school. This is because they need to give the reason for the expulsion and in most cases school heads chose not to readmit these students to their school.

According to media personality and LGBTQ+ activist Makena Njeri, the ban only serves to continue to marginalize the LGBTQ+ community who will end up pushed to the outskirts of the society where poverty, crime and inequality lies. Last Friday, Makena joined Marylize Buibwa who organized a peaceful demonstration to condemn the directive. Makena spoke of the pressures and tribulations she went through as a queer student after being identified as a lesbian and expelled.

During the peaceful demonstration, the queer community asked the cabinet secretary to attend LGBTQ+ training so that he can educate himself on the queer community and their struggles. They stated that the recent directive came from a place of ignorance, political propaganda and entitlement. They also demanded for protection of all students as stated in the constitution. Sexuality is not a reason to endanger the lives of any student and schools are obligated to ensure the safety of all its students.

I personally think that every child has a right to education and a chance to have a brighter future. What does it matter if a child is straight or gay? Don't they deserve a chance to learn and dream of a better future ? There are so many LGBTQ+ individuals doing amazing things in their chosen careers and they are helping to make the world a better place. They got there because they had a chance to be educated and learn the relevant skills needed in their fields. Being queer is not a crime and no one should be punished and have all their chances for a fulfilling career taken away simply because of who they chose to love.

Christine Kinori is a queer travel freelance writer. “I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new culture. I believe in equality and I want my daughter to live in a better world.”