KNBS: Intersex births nearly double as male births outnumber females

Intersex births Intersex births double as male births continue to outnumber females in 2025/AI ILLUSTRATED

The number of intersex births in Kenya nearly doubled in 2025, even as more male babies were born than female babies, according to a new report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

The data shows that while the overall birth pattern remained largely consistent with previous years, there was a notable rise in intersex cases alongside a sustained dominance of male births.

“In 2025, 588,338 representing 51.4 per cent births were male, and 556,492 representing 48.6 per cent were female,” KNBS stated.

This distribution mirrors trends observed in 2024, indicating a stable gender pattern at birth.

“The sex ratio at birth remained at 106 males per 100 females in 2025, the same as in 2024,” the report further noted, underscoring the continued higher likelihood of male births in the country.

However, the most striking development was the increase in intersex births. The report stated that the number of births recorded as intersex rose from 9 cases in 2024 to 17 cases in 2025, marking a near doubling within a year.

While the numbers remain relatively small compared to total births, the increase is significant in terms of visibility and data tracking.

It also reflects improvements in registration systems and growing recognition of intersex individuals in official statistics.

Overall, total registered births rose to 1,144,847 in 2025, up from 1,110,563 recorded in 2024. This indicates a modest rebound in birth numbers following a dip the previous year.

The broader trend over the five years shows that male births have consistently outnumbered female births.

In 2021, for instance, 612,097 male births were recorded compared to 588,093 female births, while in 2022 the figures stood at 619,927 and 601,517 respectively.

The continued imbalance, though biologically common, remains an important demographic indicator for planning in sectors such as education, healthcare and social services.

The steady sex ratio suggests no major demographic shifts in birth patterns, but the rise in intersex cases highlights the need for inclusive policies and support systems.

The report also captured a small number of births where sex was not stated in previous years, though this dropped to zero in 2025, pointing to improved data accuracy.

The findings come at a time when demographic data is increasingly being used to guide national planning and resource allocation.

Accurate birth registration remains critical in ensuring access to essential services, including healthcare and education.

Overall, the report paints a picture of stability in Kenya’s birth trends, marked by a consistent male majority at birth, but with emerging developments such as the rise in intersex cases drawing new attention to inclusivity in population data.