LGBTQ Organizations in Kenya Survive Despite US Funding Cuts

LGBTQ organizations in Kenya are facing one of their toughest periods in years. As reported by Deutsche Welle, deep funding cuts from the United States have led to layoffs and the reduction of assistance programs that many community members depend on.

According to John Mathenge, director of Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STIs (HOYMAS), the disruptions followed stop-work orders issued by partners. In the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, alone, the organization had to lay off nearly 25 staff members and 110 volunteers. Mathenge estimates the funding loss at more than 50%. These cuts have severely impacted outreach efforts, healthcare worker training, and HIV prevention programs.

Despite the loss of funds, HOYMAS and several other groups have decided to keep their clinics open in Nairobi and other regions. The organization relies on modest support from private Kenyan philanthropists and Kenya’s Social Health Authority to procure basic medications and pay a few volunteer clinicians. Mathenge is also negotiating with the government to secure drugs for the clinics.

The cuts have affected the everyday lives of LGBTQ individuals. Kevin, a university student in Nairobi, shared that he used to regularly receive counseling and condoms, but these services have become less accessible. Local resident Sharon noted that community organizations provided a safe space where people could seek healthcare without the fear of discrimination they often face in mainstream hospitals.

The crisis has prompted activists to look for new working models. Mercy, an entrepreneur, believes organizations should focus more on projects that help people generate their own income rather than relying entirely on donors. John Mathenge agrees with this approach and advocates for funding community-led initiatives that can generate revenue.

“The funding may have shrunk, but our lives didn’t stop when the grants did. We’ve learned that resilience is not something donors give us; it’s something we’ve always had,” emphasized Kevin.