Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and other members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Queer (LGBTQ) community in Kenya experience high levels of stigma, discrimination, and violence. Many are forced to remain underground, which severely limits access to affirming health and social services.

Health risks are compounded by discrimination from healthcare providers, law enforcement, legal authorities, and the general population. For example, MSM have three to five times higher HIV prevalence than same-aged heterosexual men.

Same-sex sexual practices remain criminalized under sections 162–165 of the Penal Code, despite few convictions. Although the Constitution of Kenya does not explicitly protect LGBTQ persons, broad human rights protections provide a basis for challenging discriminatory laws.

Surveys show widespread social rejection of homosexuality. Among gay men who came out to their families, 89% reported being disowned. Many face termination, ridicule, and discrimination when their sexual orientation or gender identity becomes known in the workplace.

In 2006, young men participating in a randomized controlled trial of male circumcision for HIV prevention self-identified as having sex with other men. NRHS facilitated their first support group, which later evolved into KIPE.

A respondent-driven sampling study conducted with the University of Illinois at Chicago recruited 415 GBMSM aged 18–62. Overall HIV prevalence was 14%, rising to nearly 29% among those aged 25–29, highlighting the need for early prevention.

KIPE rapidly grew to about 350 active members. In 2011, KIPE provided HIV counselling and testing to 740 GBMSM and referred HIV-positive men to ART services.

This work informed the CDC-funded Anza Mapema demonstration project, which focused on HIV testing, linkage to care, retention, risk reduction, and regular retesting. Participants received counselling, condoms, lubricants, STI services, PEP, and ART where indicated.

Social activities such as movie nights, theatre, spiritual meetings, and “Coffee Wednesdays” were introduced. A PrEP sub-study showed high self-reported adherence but low drug levels, underscoring adherence challenges.

From 2018, NRHS implemented comprehensive services under the STEPS programme through two Anza Mapema centres. Due to funding constraints, only the Tom Mboya centre remains operational. Since 2021, services continue under the ENTRENCH programme.

Current donor funding covers only essential clinical services such as HIV testing, ART, limited behaviour change communication, and STI management.

Funding does not adequately cover infrastructure costs or the peer-led social, support, and advocacy activities that meaningfully improve community well-being.

Additional support is needed for infrastructure, staffing, social activities, and advocacy that provide safe space, peer networking, life-skills training, and hope for GBMSM and TGW community members.