Our Story
Kisumu Shinners is a Non-Profit Community Based Organization in Western Kenya led by GBMSM and Male Sex Workers (MSM). The Organization was formed in August 2009 and registered in 2012 by GBMSMs/MSWs who have experienced sex work in Western Kenya. The formation was prompted by the rampant cases of Human Rights violations targeting GBMSM/MSW spanning from Denial of Healthcare services, Sexual assault, Arbitrary arrests by the police and escalating murder cases. Since then, Shinners have become the voice of the Key Population across the Western Kenya region. Our aim is to Provide Sexual Reproductive (SRH) services, Legal and Human Rights Advocacy to the GBMSMand MSW
Our Mission
To promote an inclusive environment for all GBMSM/MSWs by fostering access to quality health, economic empowerment, advocacy, human rights, stigma and discrimination.
Our Vision
A just and equitable society
Core Values
Integrity: Uphold values of honesty, transparency, accountability and truthfulness in our endeavors.
Respect: Values human kind / dignity.
Innovation: Price idea creativity and perspectives that enhance continuous improvement of our policies and practices.
Excellence: Strive to do best in all our undertakings.
what we do
Sexual Reproductive Health Education
We reach out to GBMSM/MSW communities to ensure they receive quality Sexual Reproductive Healthcare as it is one of main concern. We achieve this by providing Condoms , Lubricants facilitated by SRH Education on safe Sexual practice.
Advocating for GBMSM/MSW Rights
We champion for the GBMSM and MSW Human Rights and fight any form of Human Rights violation towards the Key Population coming from marginalized regions. Through our trained paralegals we are able to offer our Beneficiaries legal guidance whenever they face violations.
Economic Empowerment
As we provide other services to our Beneficiaries, Economic Empowerment is at the core of our agenda. The Key Population face continues Economic challenges including food insecurity and for this reason we have programs like Food Baskets Giveaways to aid our Beneficiaries during their time of need. Platforms are also created where Beneficiaries get to share ideas and be coached by Entrepreneurs. This will enable them to be innovative to be self-sustainable
Our Approach
Providing SRH Services And Referals To Healthcare Facilities
We provide our beneficiaries with SRH services like Condoms, Lubricants and Educate them on issues surrounding SR H. We also do Referrals for our Beneficiaries in need of Sexual Reproductive Healthcare Services to our partner Healthcare Facilities
Training
Our hardworking Peer educators and Paralegals are well-trained to enable them enlighten GBMSM/MSWs on their rights and provide guidance to legal and Health services. Our staff are also trained on Human Rights Advocacy skills
Networking
Our forums are structured to facilitate the Participation, Collaboration among LGBTQIA+ led organizations, Policy makers and the Community. These collaborations enable us to offer a different perspective to LGBTQIA+ organizations through the mediation of long term agreements with other stakeholders.
Outreach Programs
In our aim to improve learning, promote peer engagement and address their needs, we hold community outreaches on a regular basis. Some of the key discussions during our outreaches are Sexual Reproductive Health Education and identifying the gaps that hinder access to services and the solutions to tackle each.
Sensitization Programs
We are actively Mobilizing and Sensitizing Key Stakeholders including grassroot community members, Healthcare providers, Government administrations on issues of GBMSM/MSW Rights violations .
Research
Our programs are based on Research topics around LGBTQI+ that we conduct so as to provide the best services to our Beneficiaries.