(Kenya) Govt Grants Recognition to Intersex Persons as Third Gender

[Jessica_Rose]

Govt Grants Recognition to Intersex Persons as Third Gender

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/govt-grants-recognition-to-intersex-persons-as-third-gender/ar-AA1yOP0T?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=0b08da5d91f24eadd5d9ea876330782f&ei=9

Story by The Kenya Times (11 Feb 2025)

The government has officially granted recognition to intersex persons as a third gender in the latest gazetted sample of birth notification certificates filled at birth.

This progressive move ensures that intersex individuals are now acknowledged in official documents, including birth certificates.

Intersex refers to people born with physical characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said the move to officially recognize Intersex persons at birth is a historic step towards securing the rights and opportunities for all Intersex persons in Kenya.

"Legal Notice No. 153 under the Births and Deaths Registration Act (Cap. 149) marks a historic milestone by officially recognizing intersex persons in birth registration," KNCHR said.

"This aligns with Kenya's legal framework, including the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Children Act 2022 and the proposed Intersex Persons Bill 2024, reinforcing dignity, equality and non-discrimination."

The new Birth and Death Certificates will officially recognize 'Intersex' as a third gender, alongside the options of male and female. Intersex children can receive a birth certificate that indicates their sex as intersex.