Kenya: Anti-LGBT+ Law Could Trigger Severe Economic Losses
Potential Economic Losses Estimated at $7.8 Billion
A proposed bill aimed at tightening sanctions against the LGBT+ community could cost Kenya up to $7.8 billion annually, according to a March 26 report by the British NGO Open for Business. These financial losses could stem from reduced international funding, declining foreign investments, and lower tourism revenues.
A Harsh Bill Pending Parliamentary Debate
Dubbed the Family Protection Bill, this legislation proposes prison sentences of up to 50 years for individuals engaging in same-sex relationships. First introduced in 2023, the bill has not yet been debated in Parliament, but it could move forward this year. While homosexuality is already criminalized in Kenya under a colonial-era law that is rarely enforced, the country has still been seen as a relative safe haven for LGBT+ people fleeing persecution in neighboring nations.
Rising Stigma and Discrimination
Despite this relative tolerance, homophobia and discrimination are intensifying, fueled by rhetoric from religious leaders and populist politicians, according to Open for Business.
If enacted, the bill could cost the Kenyan economy between $2.7 billion and $7.8 billion per year, mainly due to:
- Loss of World Bank and international funding
- Declining foreign investments and reduced international aid
- Negative impact on the tourism sector
- Mass migration of LGBT+ individuals and professionals
Read more: Kenya LGBT Community Rights
Economic and Investment Consequences
Dominic Arnall, CEO of Open for Business, warns of the repercussions such laws could have:
“Anti-LGBTQ+ laws damage a country’s investment potential, harm its global reputation, and hinder businesses from attracting top talent.”
Lessons from Other East African Nations
The report highlights Uganda’s financial downfall after passing an extreme anti-LGBT+ law in 2023, which included the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”. In response, the World Bank suspended its financial support, causing Uganda to lose between $586 million and $2.4 billion per year.
Other East African countries have also faced economic backlash due to discriminatory laws:
- Tanzania: Estimated annual losses between $247 million and $1.1 billion
- Rwanda: Smaller financial setbacks, between $12 million and $45 million, due to more lenient policies
If Kenya adopts the Family Protection Bill, it risks similar economic sanctions, which could undermine its financial growth and international credibility.
Sources :
https://boutique-lgbtqia.fr/kenya-loi-anti-lgbt-pertes-economiques/