Bankrolling the rainbow: How foreign-backed NGOs reap billions from promoting LGBTQ in Kenya

The murder of Edwin Kiprotich Kipruto, known to many as Chiloba, shook Kenya to its core, igniting conversations not only about justice but about the deeper tensions simmering beneath the surface. Photographer Jacktone Odhiambo was sentenced to 50 years in prison for killing his housemate, Chiloba, a fashion designer, model, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) activist. To many, Chiloba's death became a tragic symbol of the dangers faced by Kenya's LGBTQ+ community. The gruesome circumstances of his killing sparked a national debate about the growing presence and influence of LGBTQ+ advocacy in a country where same-sex unions are largely frowned upon. Amid staunch opposition from conservative sectors, LGBTQ+ rights promoters are reportedly turning to international funding to expand their reach-especially among young people. During the trial of the suspect in court, it emerged that some of Chiloba's finances were foreign-backed advocacy - revelations that lifted the lid on how money is used to promote same sex union campaigns, especially among the young. British evangelical leader Stephen Green, head of the UK-based Christian Voice, has further stoked tensions. Green has accused foreign-backed NGOs of "promoting LGBTQ+ rights" in a manner that, in his view, undermines Kenya's traditional values. His claims have rekindled fierce debate over the extent of influence foreign NGOs wield over Kenya's social fabric, with conservative groups and religious leaders warning that the LGBTQ+ agenda poses a threat to the country's moral and cultural foundations. Much of the funding behind LGBTQ+ advocacy originates from European NGOs, US-based foundations, and international human rights organisations committed to protecting marginalised communities. To LGBTQ+ advocates, this foreign support is a vital lifeline, offering resources, legal aid, and visibility. But for critics, it represents an unwelcome incursion-an attempt to impose a "Western agenda" incompatible with Kenya's cultural and religious values. Supreme Court Kenya is host to several NGOs dedicated to various causes, including the promotion of human rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, with organisations such as the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) providing legal assistance and advocating for policy reforms. In a landmark ruling in February 2023, the Supreme Court of Kenya upheld previous decisions ordering the government to register NGLHRC as an NGO, affirming the constitutional right to freedom of association. While human rights advocates hailed the judgment, the public expressed disappointment. However, Green remains adamant that foreign-funded NGOs are undermining Kenya's moral values by promoting the LGBTQ agenda, arguing the campaign threatens the country's cultural fabric. "Anti-family, pro-sodomy NGOs are campaigning openly in Kenya, lobbying MPs and professionals, seeking to corrupt children, trying to overturn Kenyan laws in the courts. We have a way to stop them from doing this across the developing world," he explains in his video posted on YouTube. He accused organisations of receiving billions of shillings with the express aim of promoting "perversity." In response, human rights advocates warned that such rhetoric risks stifling civil society and undermining constitutional freedoms. However, critics of Green's stance argue that his views are attempts to discriminate and isolate members of the LGBTQ community. It is instructive to note that the law in Kenya require NGOs to register with the NGO Coordination Board and adhere to specific guidelines, including transparency in funding and activities. In May 2024, the Kenyan government began implementing the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act of 2013, aiming to provide a more comprehensive legal framework for NGOs. Under these laws, NGOs are mandated to disclose their sources of funding and ensure that their activities align with their stated objectives. While these regulations aim to promote accountability, there are concerns they could be used to target organizations advocating for controversial issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights. In his video message, Green issued a call for greater transparency and regulation of NGOs operating in developing countries. He expressed concern over what he describes as the growing influence of foreign-funded NGOs, particularly those promoting what he termed "anti-family" agenda. "Many of these organisations receive the bulk of their financial support from international sources yet operate with limited accountability to the local populations," he says. External interests Green is advocating for strict limitations on the activities of the foreign-funded NGOs. He wants these NGOs to be prohibited from conducting educational programmes or medical procedures in schools as well as from organizing public events or advertising campaigns. According to a UNDP-supported report, approximately 88 per cent of funds for NGOs in Kenya are sourced externally. While foreign funding enables NGOs to undertake significant projects and reach underserved populations, it also exposes them to criticism regarding foreign influence. Opponents argue that reliance on external funds may lead NGOs to prioritise donor agendas over local needs. However, supporters assert that foreign funding is essential for sustaining NGOs, especially in a developing country where domestic resources are limited. They argue that such funding allows NGOs to address critical issues that may be neglected by the government, including the protection of minority rights. Reacting to the video by Green, NGLHRC expressed its concerns over what it says are falsehoods that they are "agents" of doom. "This video is part of a broader wave of disinformation that formed the core of the recent Pan-African Family Values conference in Nairobi. While presented as a cultural gathering, the conference promoted archaic, violent, exclusionary rhetoric harmful to LGBTIQ+ communities, human rights defenders, and marginalised groups across the continent," says the group. According to NGLHRC, the intention to manufacture a moral panic, that leads to harm directed at the institutions and persons that lead the fight for equality, human rights and sexual and reproductive health rights in Kenya. "Such content distorts the spirit and mission of the important work we do together. We are no strangers to these types of attacks, and certainly are not distracted by attention-seeking gimmicks," added the group. According to Green, the organisation received Sh25 million from the KIOS Foundation to aid in its activities in the country. The Sigrid Rausing Trust, Green alleges has been pumping over Sh1 billion to organisations in Kenya for several years. Homosexuality remains criminal in Kenya under Sections 162 and 165 of the Penal Code, with penalties including up to 14 years' imprisonment. Despite the legal prohibitions, there is a growing movement advocating for the decriminalization of same-sex relationships and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. Over the years, gay activists have faced significant challenges, including societal stigma, discrimination, and violence. The debate sparked by Green's visit to Kenya highlights the complex interplay between foreign influence, cultural values, and human rights. Alternative curriculum Kevin Yoga, the programmes manager at Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) says some organisations are out to rock the family structure in the country. "These people have a huge target of promoting wickedness that is gay rights, which is against Christian and African values. The family as designed by God is started by a man and a woman. That is the natural order if all beings," he told Nairobian via phone. According Yogo, funding is given 100 per cent by foreign organisations to promote foreign agenda that seeks to erode the African culture, as no local organisations are funding them. "There is a huge push to promote comprehensive sexual education (CSE) which introduces sexually immorality among young people. As KCCPF, we are totally against it because the family unit has to be protected," he says. Yoga notes that his organisation has developed an alternative curriculum which will be unveiled in the near future. "We are digging deep to get to know how these organisations are funded, who funds them and we will recommend regulations to the government on the matters," he adds. In the ongoing national conversation about LGBTQ rights and foreign funding in Kenya, some educators are raising concerns about the effects on young learners. Mary Nailatoi Samuel, a teacher at a primary school in Kajiado County opines that the funding by the organisations is uncalled for, and should be used for other needs. "As a teacher and Christian, I believe children should be guided with values that reflect our Kenyan culture and Christian teachings," she says mainiting that when foreign organisations bring funding specifically to promote LGBTQ issues, the move creates confusion our learners who are still developing their understanding of identity and morality. Nailatoi notes that sex education is not a priority since schools face challenges such as lack of resources, large class sizes, and limited teacher support. "Instead of introducing sensitive topics that may go against family and religious values, we should focus on improving literacy, discipline, and character-building in line with our cultural foundation," she says.

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