For a long time now, intersex individuals, people born with a combination of male and female biological traits, have been fighting for recognition as a third gender.
In the 2019 census, a small but significant step forward was made after they were included in the census. They were 1,524 in total.
Fear of stigma has made many live in hiding, with some lacking official documentation which makes it hard for them to get employed.
With Kibagendi’s appointment, many hope that more and more intersex individuals in Kenya will get more recognition and protection of their human rights.
Already, Parliament approved the appointment of the first intersex person to occupy a top public office job back in February.
Dr Dennis Nyongesa Wamalwa was approved for the top job at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
