The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) joins Kenyans and the global community in commemorating International Albinism Awareness Day, observed annually on 13th June. This year’s theme, “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones,” reminds us that every shade of humanity is precious, and that diversity is the foundation of equality and dignity.
Albinism, a genetic condition that reduces or eliminates melanin production, affects approximately 1 in 17,000–20,000 people globally. In Kenya, the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census recorded 9,729 persons with albinism, representing about 0.02% of the population. These numbers represent men, women, and children whose rights, safety, and opportunities must be safeguarded.
Beyond the associated health needs, such as protection from ultraviolet radiation and visual support, persons with albinism in Kenya encounter significant challenges. These include stigma and discrimination, exclusion from education and employment opportunities, limited access to healthcare (particularly sunscreen and dermatological services), a higher risk of skin cancer, and, in some instances, violence and harmful traditional practices rooted in myths and superstition.
Kenya has an elaborate legal and policy framework that protects persons with albinism, primarily within the broad category of persons with disabilities. This foundation is anchored in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, Article 27, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination and affirms the rights to dignity, education, health, and social protection for persons with disabilities. The Persons with Disability Act, 2025, Section 6, provides a framework for the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities. In addition, Kenya is a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), obligating the State to ensure the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.
The Commission acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Government of Kenya and other stakeholders in promoting inclusion, protection, and well-being of persons with albinism. Through the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Government continues to implement the National Sunscreen Support Programme, which provides sunscreen lotions and protective support to registered persons with albinism across the country. The Ministry of Health supports awareness program on prevention of skin cancer, early screening, and access to specialized healthcare services for persons with albinism.
In the education sector, the Ministry of Education promotes inclusive education through reasonable accommodation measures for learners with albinism, including appropriate classroom seating arrangements, low vision support systems, assistive devices, and sensitization within schools and communities to address stigma and
discrimination. The Government, through public service mainstream disability inclusion within public institutions and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities through social protection and empowerment programmes.
Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in public awareness, inconsistent access to affordable sunscreen and protective products, inadequate disability-responsive healthcare, insufficient economic empowerment opportunities, and meaningful participation of persons with albinism in decision-making processes. Harmful beliefs,
stigma, and discrimination undermine their safety, dignity, and inclusion in society. Stigma associated with albinism denies many children and young persons with albinism access to services and opportunities.
As we commemorate this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day, the National Gender and Equality Commission calls for coordinated action by all stakeholders to strengthen interventions aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of persons with
albinism in Kenya. To translate awareness into action, the Commission specifically advocate for the following actions:
a) Fully implement the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025 and enforce mandatory reasonable accommodation across all sectors, with a specific focus on schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities, and public spaces.
b) Strengthen public awareness initiatives to combat harmful myths and stigma directed to persons with albinism.
c) Enhance protection from all forms of discrimination and violence
d) Increase investment in inclusive education, healthcare services, social protection, and economic empowerment programmes.
The National Gender and Equality Commission reaffirms its commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and freedom from discrimination for all persons, including persons with disabilities. Let us all celebrate diversity, reject harmful stereotypes, and build a society where every person, regardless of skin tone or appearance, can live freely, safely, and with dignity.
Together, we must continue advancing a Kenya where persons with albinism are fully included, valued, protected, and empowered to realize their full potential.
Hon. Rehema Jaldesa
Chairperson
