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 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 prestigious programs, including CREA’s Sexuality, Gender and Rights Institute, Columbia University’s Human Rights Advocacy Program, and the Commonwealth Fellowship at University College London.
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 —Programmes Officer
Malakai ‘Kai’ Audi is a seasoned Human Rights Advocate with over eight years of experience in Kenya’s SOGIESC movement. Currently a Programmes Officer at Jinsiangu Kenya, Kai leads initiatives in programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response, while also coordinating the Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) programme. Their advocacy spans community mobilization, digital media, research, and artistic expression. Kai has contributed to qualitative and participatory research with local and international organizations and is also a published writer featured in several queer African literary anthologies.
Contact: audi@jinsiangu.org
Lolyne Ongeri —Communications Lead
Lolyne is a communications and content management specialist with experience in digital storytelling, strategic communications, and audience engagement. She has led multimedia content development, social media strategy, stakeholder engagement, and business development across corporate communications, refugee rights, human rights programming, and internet governance. She is passionate about crafting narratives that inform, connect, and drive social change.
Contact: lolyne@Jinsiangu.org
Shakers Ngeru -Administration & Procurement
Shakers Ngeru is the Administrator and Procurement Officer at Jinsiangu, responsible for overseeing internal operations, managing procurement, and supporting overall organizational efficiency. They are also tech-savvy and passionate about using digital tools and platforms to improve communication and workflow.
Contact: ngerusharon@Jinsiangu.org
Scott Shaka Mwangi — Mental Health & psychosocial officer
Scott is a dedicated human rights defender and community organizer currently serving as the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer and Transgender Focal Person at Jinsiangu. In this role, he leads efforts that promote safety, inclusion, and visibility for transgender and gender-diverse individuals, while advocating for their rights and overall well-being.
Scott also has extensive experience supporting refugee communities, particularly LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers. Through empowerment-based training and peer support, he fosters resilience and community strength, with a focus grounded in compassion and lived experience.
Contact: scott@Jinsiangu.org
Sidney Etemesi —Intersex Programmes Coordinator
Sidney is the Intersex Programs Coordinator at Jinsiangu. He brings lived experience and a deep commitment to advocating for the rights of intersex individuals in Kenya and beyond. His work focuses on raising awareness and ensuring recognition of intersex people in both public and government spaces. Sidney uses media and community education to share accurate information and promote inclusion. He strongly believes that intersex rights are human rights.
contact: sidney@jinsiangu.org
Florence Okal — Finance assistant.
Florence is a dedicated Finance Assistant with a strong background in finance and administration, Florence supports the organization’s mission by ensuring financial accountability, efficient budgeting, and the smooth running of day-to-day financial operations. Her work involves preparing financial reports, managing grant expenditures, processing payments, and supporting both internal and external audits.
Passionate about social justice and community empowerment, Florence combines her professional expertise with a personal commitment to supporting marginalized communities. She plays an integral role in strengthening Jinsiangu’s financial systems, helping the organization remain transparent, compliant, and sustainable
Contact: florence@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. He works collaboratively across departments to align technology with organizational goals, provides ongoing technical support, and advises on IT procurement and third-party software integration.
Contact: lee@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.