Homosexuality is still illegal in Kenya, and with a largely conservative society, identifying as LGBTQIA+ is often considered taboo. There are also no laws to protect LGBTQIA+ people against discrimination. The criminalisation of same-sex relationships was acquired from Britain before Kenya gained independence in 1963 and has not been reviewed since.
LGBTQIA+ travellers who want to visit Kenya should exercise caution and avoid public displays of affection. That said, even public displays of affection between hetero couples can raise eyebrows.
LGBTQIA+ travel in Kenya
Same-sex couples can usually book a room with a double bed without being questioned, particularly when staying at safari hotels and lodges, and globally recognised hotel chains.
Many hotels, lodges and public sites have private or all-gender bathrooms, but there may be occasions where the only option is to use a gendered bathroom.
We recommend checking out your government’s foreign travel advisories for more information. Equaldex is another useful resource.
Solo travel and room sharing
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