Support a Safe & Stigma-Free
Community for LGBTQI refugees in Nairobi
At CoSIR, we believe every person deserves safety, dignity, & belonging.
We support LGBTQI refugees in Nairobi through access to healthcare, education, &
economic empowerment programs.
- About Us
Supporting LGBTQI Refugees with Dignity
Through compassion, community, and collaboration, we empower refugees to live with dignity, pride, and purpose.
Alfie Kariuki, Director
CoSIR is a registered non-profit based in Nairobi, Kenya. We were founded in 2017 after the UNHCR ceased financial assistance to LGBTQI refugees — leaving a vulnerable community without essential support.
Our mission is to create a safe, stigma-free environment where LGBTQI refugees can access healthcare, gain skills, and build self-reliance.
- Our Work
What We Do
01
Shelter & Safe Housing
We provide emergency shelter for LGBTQI refugees
02
Sustainable livelihoods
We train LGBTQI refugees to gain employable skills
03
Empowerment
We help LGBTQI & gender-diverse refugees learn self-advocacy
04
Advocacy & Sensitization
We engage policymakers to promote inclusion
- How we Help
Thematic Areas
Mental Health Advocacy
We recognize that queer refugees and asylum seekers face deep emotional scars caused by displacement, rejection, and systemic discrimination. Our mental health work creates safe spaces for healing and restoring dignity.
Safehousing
Safe housing means more than just shelter, it means safety, dignity, and belonging. Our safe house offers a refuge where individuals can heal from trauma, access essential support, and live without fear of violence or discrimination.
Socio-economic Empowerment
Through our socio-economic empowerment programs, we equip queer refugees and asylum seekers with skills, resources, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Beneficiaries - socio-economic program
beneficiaries - Mental health program
Queer refugees housed & resettled
Beneficiaries - CoSIR Initiatives
CoSIR Crowdfunding Campaign
December 2025
We aim to raise $30,000 to fund CoSIR's operations fully for two years.
CoSIR provides emergency resources to LGBTQIA+ refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to meals, a roof over their heads and immediate personal safety, CoSIR helps their community with healthcare, sex education, and economic empowerment resources.
