The 77 Percent: Living with albinism in Kenya

"People with albinism are often not given proper education because of discrimination and stigmatisation. So we [at the Albinism Society of Kenya] came up with programs to empower them, to start their own businesses and be independent. That way they can take care of their families and be able to help themselves." Daniel Shisia is spokesperson for the Albinism Society of Kenya.

Kibera is Nairobi's biggest slum. One million people live here. In one of the hectic main streets, in between a shoe shop and a kiosk, is a shop called "Mzungu Reloaded." "Mzungu" means "white person" in Kiswahili. Whycliffe owns the shop, but he is not a real "mzungu", he has albinism. "I decided to call it 'Mzungu Reloaded' because I look like a mzungu," explained Whycliffe.

In Africa people with albinism stick out more than anywhere else in the world. Besides discrimination, they deal with skin problems due to the hot sun and limited eye sight. Whycliffe therefore wears a hat and glasses. He decided to use his "white" skin color as a trademark for his business.

"Wherever I go, they call me 'mzungu' 'mzungu'. I thought, 'what trademark could I use for my business?' That's why I chose this name. Most people don't use this name with bad intentions, it's a way to accept me, it's not harmful." Whycliffe is a beneficiary of the economic empowerment program, a project of the Albinism Society of Kenya Albinism, an advocacy organisation spreading awareness.

Daniel is the spokesperson at the Albinism Society of Kenya. He explains how important it is for people with albinism to have ordinary jobs and businesses to feel part of society. "In Tanzania and other neighboring countries, people are being killed. Here they are not being killed, but they are discriminated in terms of jobs. We feel we are not given that chance, not given that opportunity."

"I found it hard to find a job. Some people didn't accept me, they thought I couldn't do the work. I went to so many places and found nothing. This business has enabled me to care for my family and buy bread. I have even been able to buy a house in Kibera with the help of a mortgage."

Francis lives in Makadara, in the east of Nairobi. He also owns a small shop selling eggs, bread and sugar. He found that his fortunes turned around when he started to accept himself. He even offers money transfers and his business is growing. "My clients accept me, they are coming and leaving their money with me." This acceptance means a lot to Francis.

Francis says he has never felt discrimination in Kenya. But Daniel at the Albinism Society remembers that not so long ago, when he was a child, the fear that you could be abducted in other countries for having albinism and perhaps killed was still prevalent. Whycliffe, Francis and Daniel are showing that living with albinism doesn't have to make life dramatically different from anyone elses.