About - TRANZURI CBO

about us

TRANZURI BACKGROUND

TRANZURI is a Transgender led community-based organization in Homa Bay County, Kenya, advancing the health, legal, and socio-economic rights of Trans, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGDI) individuals.

Since its founding in 2020 by Letoya Johnstone and grassroots activists, TRANZURI has addressed systemic exclusion, stigma, and lack of access to Trans competent healthcare, economic opportunities, and legal recognition for rural TGDI communities.

Through a combination of movement-building, legal empowerment, health advocacy, economic initiatives, and arts and culture, TRANZURI strengthens leadership, visibility, and social inclusion for TGDI individuals and allied marginalized groups, including single mothers, young mothers, and sex workers.

The name TRANZURI combines the word "Trans" with the Swahili word "Nzuri," meaning good. It focuses on the common good of the transgender, intersex and gender non-conforming community. The name reflects our belief that every transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex persons deserve dignity, respect, equal opportunities, and the freedom to live authentically.

Our Vision

TRANZURI CBO envisions a just, inclusive, and equitable society where TGDI communities thrive with dignity, well-being, and freedom from stigma.

Mission

To advance the rights, inclusion, and well-being of TGDI communities through advocacy, movement-building, health, economic empowerment, research, and strategic partnerships with government, civil society, and global networks.

Advocacy Activities

OUR STRATEGIC PILLARS.

Knowledge Leadership & Management

Knowledge Leadership & Management: Baseline surveys, research, and documentation to inform programming and policy.

Socio-Economic Justice

Socio-Economic Justice: Resource center, table banking, vocational and entrepreneurship training.

Inclusive Societies

Legal gender recognition, advocacy, public awareness, and community engagement.

Health & Psychosocial Support

Access to Trans-competent healthcare, HIV/TB/malaria services, and psychosocial support.

Arts & Culture / Fashion

Fashion events, modeling programs, creative media productions.

Crisis Response & Safety

GBV support, FGM advocacy, legal aid, and emergency psychosocial assistance.

Our Impact

Since 2022, TRANZURI CBO has continued to strengthen the visibility, leadership, and resilience of rural TGDI communities by:

Building partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and international networks.

Strengthening community leadership and organizational capacity.

Increasing access to inclusive health information and services.

Supporting community-led advocacy and policy engagement.

Advancing economic empowerment initiatives for marginalized communities.

Creating safe spaces in the rural arear of Homa Bay in Kenya. for learning, dialogue, and community organizing.