What is Utunzi?

How does it work?

The UTUNZI platform receives violation reports and requests for assistance from LGBTI at risk in Kenya through SMS (Safaricom short-code 20880); email ( report@utunzi.com); Twitter (@UtunziNetwork); Facebook (Utunzi: Rainbow Security Network) or through direct entry on the website. Reports can be made anonymously or if an individual is requesting assistance can be made with a mobile number, email address, Twitter or Facebook name. Reports and requests for assistance are then ‘read’ by the UTUNZI platform and sent immediately to an identified responder on the ground who will then contact the person seeking assistance. Responders are selected by the UTUNZI platform on the basis of geographic location and the expertise of the organisation. All UTUNZI member organisations are LGBTI groups committed to LGBTI wellbeing and have pledged to maintain confidentiality at all times.

What happens when I make a report?

If you choose to make an anonymous report then this will simply be logged in the UTUNZI database and saved as ‘unverified’. However, if you leave your mobile number or other means of contacting you, a responder in your local area will contact you to assess the situation and assist you, if possible. Only the responder handling your case will have access to you personal information and will not share this with any other person or organisation without your consent. All identifying information, such as your name, telephone number, email address, Facebook or Twitter name is deleted from UTUNZI immediately it has been confirmed by the responder that you have been contacted. UTUNZI does not store any personal information on individuals who have made reports. Once you have made a report, you will receive the mobile number of the responder assigned by UTUNZI to assist you. However, the system is designed so that the responder can contact you immediately. If this does not happen within a specified time, UTUNZI automatically assigns you a second responder who will contact you - and you will also receive their mobile number. To see how this works you can click here.