Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) takes immense pride in its diverse membership, where talents extend beyond the field to embrace noble causes. Today, we spotlight one of our own, Chris Kach, a distinguished member and a tireless advocate for human rights, particularly for the intersex community.

Chris,currently at Kenya Women Premier League side,Kenya Police bullets football club has been honored as the East Africa Intersex Human Rights Defender by Tacef, marking a significant milestone in her journey.

Chris Kach’s fondly known as “Kachali,” shared her story—a journey marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity. Intersex, an umbrella term encompassing a variety of conditions challenging conventional definitions of male or female, often subjects individuals to stigma, discrimination, and medical interventions.

Chris’s experiences reflect the broader struggles faced by intersex individuals, especially in the realm of sports. Despite excelling as a footballer, she encountered rejection and discrimination at various stages of her life. Brought up as a girl, the dominance of male hormones became apparent as she grew older, leading to challenges in education and football.Her pursuit of education faced setbacks, with rejection at Butere Girl’s High School illustrating the societal barriers intersex individuals often confront. Even in the realm of football, bureaucratic hurdles, exemplified by challenges at Harambee’s Starlets camp, underscored the pervasive issues faced by intersex athlete.

Coach Caroline Achieli, who witnessed Kachali’s dedication in the under 20 national team, attests to her well-rounded qualities. Achieli described Kachali as a well-educated player, not only for her talent but for her ability to work with coaches and her attentive nature. Achieli envisions Kachali playing at even higher levels and going professional, a testament to her exceptional abilities on the field.

Beyond football, Chris has dedicated herself to advocating for intersex rights. Her recent recognition as an intersex human rights defender by Tacef is a testament to her impactful advocacy.

“Deep gratitude to Tacef for honoring me as an intersex human rights defender. This recognition, alongside the unwavering support from Kenya and the wider East Africa region, inspires and emboldens my advocacy. Your acknowledgment of my effort amplifies the voices of intersex individuals. Together, we advance equality and justice. Thank you for this invaluable recognition, which fuels my commitment to creating a more inclusive world. I am truly honored and deeply appreciative.Intersex Kenya Education and Advocacy-IKEA,” noted Kach after being awarded.

Her message of gratitude reflects the invaluable support from KEFWA and the wider East Africa region, acknowledging the collective effort to advance equality and justice.

“As KEFWA, we extend our deepest appreciation to Chris Kach, not just as a talented footballer but as a symbol of courage, resilience, and inclusivity. Your journey inspires us to continue breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where every player, regardless of background, can thrive. You are not just a member, you are a beacon of change, a force for positive transformation, and a champion for equality. We stand with you in creating a more inclusive world for all.” Noted KEFWA Vice President Terry Ouko.