About Jinsiangu

Founded in 2012, Jinsiangu is a Kenyan organization created to increase safe spaces for and enhance the well-being of Intersex, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming (ITGNC) individuals.

Our name means "My Gender" in Swahili, highlighting the importance of self-determination.

Vision

A Kenya that celebrates diversity and where all persons enjoy freedom, justice, and access to fundamental needs.

Mission

To enhance the lives of ITGNC individuals through safe spaces, advocacy, research, healthcare, and holistic empowerment.

Our Core Work

Jinsiangu removes barriers through policy engagement, psycho-social services, media and community sensitization, and international advocacy. We prioritize social and health research to address ITGNC needs.

Meet Our Team

Toni King'ori — Executive Director

Toni is the head of Jinsiangu, overseeing its daily operations, strategy implementation, resource mobilization, and department coordination.

With over 15 years in social justice, she co-founded Transgender Education and Advocacy (T.E.A.) and was a founding member of ISHTAR, advocating for intersex and transgender rights in Kenya. Toni has been pivotal in raising awareness about the ITGNC community, establishing the Jinsiangu Resource Centre, and mentoring youth. She serves on multiple boards and is the Co-Chair of the National Transgender Advocacy Network of Kenya (N.T.A.N), dedicating her career to advancing gender minority rights.

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Contact: Toni@jinsiangu.org

Alesandra Ogeta — Deputy Executive Director

Alesandra is a dedicated Trans* rights advocate known for policy change, strategic litigation, and community engagement.

She has secured funding, developed national HIV/STI guidelines, and established Kenya’s first Centre of Excellence for Transgender programming. Alesandra has contributed to key research like the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (2020) and promotes justice for the Trans* community. Her impactful work has shaped human rights discourse at national, regional, and global levels.

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Contact: Alesandra@jinsiangu.org

Gigi Louisa — Programmes Manager

Gigi Louisa is a seasoned and visionary leader in sexual health and rights advocacy in Africa, with over 14 years of experience.

She currently serves as the Programmes Manager at Jinsiangu Kenya, where she advances the rights and well-being of Intersex, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming (ITGNC) people. Gigi actively bridges international human rights frameworks with national and grassroots advocacy. She is an alumna of CREA’s Sexuality, Gender and Rights Institute, Columbia University’s Human Rights Advocacy Program, and the Commonwealth Fellowship at University College London.

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Contact: Gigi@jinsiangu.org

Kai Audi — Programmes Officer

Malakai is a seasoned human rights advocate with 8+ years mobilizing support for SOGIESC communities in Kenya.

They lead programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response initiatives, coordinating Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) programming and contributing to research and queer African literary works.

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Contact: audi@jinsiangu.org

Frankie Kibagendi — Intersex Programmes Manager

Frankie is a passionate intersex activist who has traveled extensively across Kenya raising awareness on intersex persons and issues.

As a community head, he played a key role as focal person to the Intersex Task Force during their data collection activities for intersex persons in Kenya in 2018.

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Contact: kibagendi@jinsiangu.org

Sidney Etemesi — Intersex Programmes Coordinator

Sidney advocates for intersex rights in Kenya and beyond, raising awareness and promoting inclusion using media and community education.

His work emphasizes that intersex rights are human rights.

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Contact: sidney@jinsiangu.org

Mercyline Nyabuti — Finance Lead

Mercyline oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for Jinsiangu, ensuring compliance and optimal resource management.

Contact: nyabutim@jinsiangu.org

Florence Okal — Finance Assistant

Florence supports financial accountability, grant management, and internal and external audits, ensuring smooth finances at Jinsiangu.

Passionate about social justice, she strengthens financial transparency and compliance.

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Contact: florence@jinsiangu.org

Lolyne Ongeri — Communications Lead

Lolyne is a communications specialist skilled in digital storytelling, strategic communication, and audience engagement.

She leads social media, multimedia content development, and business development efforts, amplifying human rights programming and social change narratives.

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Contact: lolyne@jinsiangu.org

Eyricah Murunga — GNC Focal Person

Eyricah advocates for gender non-conforming communities through outreach and policy reforms.

As the focal person for Gender Non-Conforming individuals, Eyricah advances visibility, support, and policy reforms for gender-diverse persons.

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Contact: e.murunga@jinsiangu.org

Shakers Ngeru — Administration & Procurement

Shakers manages internal operations, procurement, and digitization, enhancing overall organizational efficiency.

Contact: ngerusharon@jinsiangu.org

Scott Shaka Mwangi — Mental Health & Psychosocial Officer

Scott is a human rights defender specializing in mental health and psychosocial support for transgender and gender-diverse communities.

He has experience supporting LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers through empowerment-based training and peer support, promoting resilience grounded in lived experiences.

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Contact: scott@jinsiangu.org

Lee Kimani — Information Technology Lead

Lee oversees the organization’s IT systems and infrastructure, offering expertise in system administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital operations.

He supports secure communication channels, manages domain and hosting environments, and ensures optimal performance across network systems. Lee collaborates across departments to align technology with organizational goals, provides ongoing technical support, and advises on IT procurement and third-party software integration.

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Contact: lee@jinsiangu.org

Calvin Iisiye — Transport Manager

Calvin coordinates organizational transportation logistics supporting smooth program operations throughout Jinsiangu.

Contact: calvin@jinsiangu.org