NEWS29 July 2019

Kenya census to collect intersex data

Middle East and Africa News

KENYA – The forthcoming census in Kenya will include a third gender option, with people able to identify as either male, female or intersex.

The survey, taking place on 24th August, will determine the number of Kenyans who identify as neither male nor female – estimated to be around 700,000 out of a population of 79 million.

Additionally, the population and housing census will be conducted electronically for the first time, using tablets to collect data.

Ryan Muiruri, founder of the Intersex Persons Society of Kenya, told the BBC: "Getting information about intersex people in the census will help people understand the challenges we go through. Being included in the census is a big achievement for us."