Founded in 2012 by a small group of intersex and transgender Nairobians, Jinsiangu began as a safe space for dialogue and solidarity. Today, we are a leading organization championing legal recognition, healthcare access, and visibility for ITGNC communities across Kenya. Our name, derived from Swahili (“jinsia yangu” meaning “my gender”), reflects our commitment to self-determination.
VISION
"A Kenya that celebrates diversity, 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 Guiding Pillars
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Removing barriers to healthcare, education, and legal rights through policy engagement.
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Psycho-social services, safe spaces, and ITGNC-friendly programs.
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Media campaigns, grassroots sensitization, and international advocacy.
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Research on ITGNC socio-economic challenges, health needs, and legal rights.
OUR PROGRAMMES
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HIV program has been a critical part of the organization's work, addressing the specific needs of transgender and gender-diverse persons in Kenya.
The Programme begun as a response to the overwhelming health disparities faced by the transgender community in Kenya.
The Programme adopts a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention and care through biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions
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The intersex program is dedicated to advocating for and advancing the rights, welfare, and visibility of intersex individuals in Kenya.
With a milestone in recognition through efforts of the intersex task force in the 2010 general elections, the Programme has been key in implementing priority strategies for the recognition and advancement of rights for intersex persons in health, education and within various aspects of society.
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The transgender Programme operates at various levels, including international, national, sub-national, regional, and community levels.
The primary goal of the Programme is to enhance the integration and functioning of transgender individuals within mainstream society, enabling them to achieve and sustain a globally accepted standard of living.
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The Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) Programme was established in 2020 to support individuals above the age of 18 who identify as gender non-conforming or nonbinary.
The Programme offers tailored advocacy, activities, and interventions to address the distinct needs and difficulties faced by this community, as they navigate a gender system that is predominantly binary and characterized by rigid gender norms within society.
Meet our dedicated team of staff & volunteers
Jinsiangu’s uniqueness and strength is encapsulated in the fact that majority of its staff and volunteers are also members of the organisation. Making our team of professionals fully invested in the success of the organisation.
The Team
The team is responsible for the day to day running of the resource center and implementation of our Programme activities
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.
Contact: Toni@jinsiangu.org
Alesandra Ogeta —
Deputy Executive Director
Alesandra Ogeta, Deputy Director of Jinsiangu Kenya, 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.
Contact: Alesandra@jinsiangu.org .
Gigi Louisa —
Programmes officer
Gigi has worked in various capacities in organizations such as UHAI-EASHRI and GALCK.
She has participated in high level meetings in such forums as the ILGA Conference, ACPHR, and has been instrumental in forging women’s movement across Africa such as the Minority Women in Action (MWA).
Contact: Gigi@jinsiangu.org
Frankie Kibagendi —
Intersex Programmes Manager
Frankie is a passionate intersex activist who has crossed the width and breadth of Kenya to raise awareness on intersex persons and issues.
As a community head, he was instrumental as a focal person to the Intersex Task Force in their data collection process on intersex persons in Kenya in 2018.
Contact: kibagendi@Jinsiangu.org
Calvin Iisiye —Transport Manager
Calvin is responsible for coordinating organizational transportation logistics
Mercyline Nyabuti—Finance Lead
Mercyline oversees the organization's financial planning, budgeting, and reporting. She analyzes financial data, manages risks, ensures compliance with regulations, and provides strategic insights to support the organization's goals. She collaborates with executives, accountants, and stakeholders to optimize financial management and resource allocation.
Contact: nyabutim@jinsiangu.org
Kai Audi —Gender Non-Conforming Programme Lead
Contact: audi@jinsiangu.org
Shakers Ngeru -administration & Procurement
Sidney Etemesi —intersex Coordinator
contact: ssidney@jinsiangu.org
STEERING COMMITTEE
The Steering Committee serves in an Advisory role and is made up of three non-members who meet twice a year. The Committee provides strategic guidance and counsel and may be called upon to assist with fundraising and conflict-resolution.
VOLUNTEERS
Jinsiangu relies on volunteer members who act as liaisons between membership and staff; orientate and mentor new members; and assist office bearers with projects and activities.