NAIROBI — In a move that has surprised some and stirred strong reactions across the continent, Kenya on Monday voted in favour of renewing a United Nations mandate aimed at protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people worldwide.
The decision came during a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where 29 countries backed a resolution to extend the work of an independent LGBTQ+ rights expert for another three years. Fifteen countries opposed it, and three abstained. Notably absent from the vote was the United States a former champion of the mandate now walking back many such protections under President Donald Trump’s second term.
Kenya joined nations like Germany, Chile, and South Africa in supporting the renewal. Opponents included Qatar, several Eastern European states, and a bloc of African countries that have historically resisted international pressure on LGBTQ+ rights.
The mandate, held by South African human rights expert Graeme Reid, focuses on investigating discrimination and abuse targeting LGBTQ+ communities around the world. Reid is also tasked with engaging governments to improve legal protections and promote inclusion.
Rights organisations welcomed Kenya’s vote.
“It’s encouraging to see Kenya on the right side of history,” said a Nairobi-based human rights lawyer, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of backlash. “This mandate gives voice to people who often suffer in silence.”
While Kenya’s constitution doesn’t permit same-sex marriage and its Penal Code still criminalises same-sex relationships, Monday’s vote signals a possible softening in its global human rights stance even as domestic laws remain unchanged.
The outcome also draws attention to the widening global gap in attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights. Under President Joe Biden, the US had been a key supporter of the LGBTQ+ expert role. But since returning to the White House in January, Trump has reversed course. He’s signed executive orders dismantling diversity and inclusion programs and rolled back protections for transgender individuals.
Washington’s absence from Monday’s vote did not go unnoticed.
“The United States once led these efforts. Now, it’s simply missing in action,” one Western diplomat told The New York Times, speaking on condition of anonymity due to diplomatic sensitivities.
Meanwhile, back in Kenya, the economic stakes of rising LGBTQ+ discrimination are becoming clearer.
A recent study by global coalition Open For Business found Kenya could lose up to Ksh1 trillion if a proposed bill by MP Peter Kaluma aimed at tightening anti-gay laws becomes law. The report estimates that even without the bill, the country already loses as much as Ksh201 billion annually due to stigma, workplace exclusion, and reduced tourism linked to anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes.
The study paints a broader picture of economic harm across East Africa. “Discrimination isn’t just a moral failure. It’s an economic one too,” said the report.
The renewed UN mandate, though symbolic for some, could be a lifeline for others in countries where being openly gay can cost you your job, your freedom or even your life.
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