In Mombasa, research finds that 6 out of 10 transgender and gender diverse ('trans') people face housing insecurity. And among those who do have a stable place to live, one third say it is unsafe. 

Options for housing trans people are limited by discrimination from landlords, community violence, and estrangement from family. Further, half of all trans people in Mombasa live in extreme poverty, further limiting their options for stable housing. 

Sadly, homeless shelters and other housing programs in Mombasa refuse to provide services for trans people, owing to ongoing community stigma. 

Without shelter, all aspects of health, safety, and well-being are affected. Housing a basic human need, and a vital first step towards helping our trans communities thrive. 

The core mission of Nakshy House is to provide shelter to trans people in need. 'Shelter' in this context not only means a safe place to sleep, but also access to services, support, community, and even joy.

Nakshy House was founded in 2024 as a trans-led collaborative. Our name is a tribute to the late Nakshy Said, a leader in the Mombasa trans communities who tragically lost her life in 2023. 

Although we are small, we are also mighty. Since opening our doors, Nakshy House has already helped numerous trans people find refuge and undertake through long-term transitional planning.