Various scholars agree that there is no one way of determining an individual’s gender.^[1] Leneck thinks that gender is a grammatical term referring to whether a word is masculine, feminine or neuter, and has nothing to do with whether an organism is male or female.^[2]

While the concept of sexualities in Africa remains a debated concept, one thing is certain. The perspectives of sexualities have evolved over the years. Professor Charles Ngwena depicts most African cultures as heteronormative and unforgiving to sexual performance in other directions.^[1] Professor John Ambani, on the other hand, is of the view that African cultures have been accommodative to different sexualities since the pre-colonial period, such as homosexuality where the instances suited the cultural practices.^[2] Some African cultures recognised same sex marriages where the woman could not bear children, because reproduction was a key aspect of marriage.^[3] This view was changed by the colonisation which brought with it various aspects like religion, that saw the introduction of laws criminalising homosexuality.^[4] The new perspective saw the continuity of these laws even after the attainment of independence of various African countries. The Kenyan Penal Code, for example, criminalises unnatural offences, which includes homosexuality therein termed as carnal knowledge with another person against the order of nature.^[5] Uganda had also passed a bill in 2014 criminalising homosexuality and attaching a death sentence to it, although it was later declared null.^[6]

On February 17, 2025, Kabarak University had the privilege of participating in the Lamu County Career Day, an inspiring event dedicated to empowering the youth and promoting inclusivity. Set against the serene backdrop of Lamu, Kenya’s oldest town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the event offered a unique opportunity for students, mentors, and educators to come together and chart pathways toward a brighter future.

The Department of Spiritual & Student Affairs, led by the Acting University Provost, Rev. Justus Mutuku, recently held a two-day crusade at Kampi ya Moto Market Place on February 15th and 16th. The event was an opportunity for the university to extend its reach beyond campus and share the message of salvation with the wider community.