About Us
The Vitiligo Society of Kenya (VISOKE) is a not-for-profit, patient-driven NGO registered under Kenya’s NGO Coordination Act. It was founded around 2011 and is headquartered in Nairobi. Your core focus is empowering Kenyans living with vitiligo through support, education, advocacy, and awareness to reduce stigma, discrimination, and social isolation.
Vision: Restore normalcy, improve quality of life for people with vitiligo, and promote positive perceptions in Kenya.
Mission/Activities: Build a supportive community for affected individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and allies. Run advocacy and public awareness campaigns (media, schools, community forums). Collaborate on World Vitiligo Day events (June 25). Emphasize evidence-based approaches, research, and inclusive healthcare policies.
Team Members
Our Expert Members.
Team of our dedicated members.
Laban James
Founder/Executive Secretary
James Laban founded the Vitiligo Society of Kenya (VISOKE) in 2010 to address the urgent needs of Kenyans living with vitiligo at a time when stigma was extremely high and accurate information was almost nonexistent
Read Full Bio
His vision is to ensure that every individual living with vitiligo has access to accurate, up-to-date information, evidence-based management options, and a stigma-free environment.Full Bio (for dedicated “Our Team / Leadership” page or expandable section)James Laban was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of 9. Like many others in Kenya, he faced significant stigma and discrimination. High school was particularly challenging, where sharing bathrooms and dealing with daily misconceptions became the norm. In the absence of proper information about the condition, its causes, or medical treatments, James initially turned to traditional methods — using herbs that caused skin sores and adhering to strict dietary restrictions, such as avoiding white meat.These difficult experiences inspired him to establish the Vitiligo Society of Kenya (VISOKE) in 2010. The organization was officially registered in 2011 under the NGO Coordination Board (now known as the Public Benefit Organizations Authority). VISOKE was created to provide reliable support, fight stigma, and promote evidence-based care for people living with vitiligo across Kenya.A teacher by profession, James later trained and transitioned into healthcare as a Clinical Officer. This unique background in education and clinical practice has strengthened his ability to bridge the gap between patients and accurate medical information.As Founder, James provides strategic leadership for VISOKE. He drives national awareness campaigns, organizes World Vitiligo Day events, builds partnerships with global organizations including GlobalSkin, VIPOC, and the World Patients Alliance, and advocates for improved access to modern treatments. Under his leadership, VISOKE has supported over 1,000 members and continues to grow as a trusted voice for the vitiligo community in Kenya and beyond.Outside of VISOKE, James enjoys watching real-life documentaries, adventurous travels, and reading inspiring real-life articles. He remains deeply passionate about changing perceptions of beauty and fostering greater inclusion for people living with vitiligo in Kenya.
Andrew Clifford Okal
Chairman
Educational background – I was born in homabay county oyugis kasipul constituency and raised up as an orphan by my grandparents.I did my primary at nyatwere primary,high school at Gendia boys high school, university at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga university in siaya county (2013-2017)
Read Full Bio
Proffessional background -I am a high school teacher by profession teaching history/cre and have lived with vitiligo for 18years.I have taught since 2017 eg Gendia boys high school in homabay county,Kwanthsnthanze high school in machakos county and moi kapsowar girls national school in elgeyo marakwet county where I have used my vitiligo condition to impact and teach the society plus learners the importanxe of embracing yourself and choosing yourself with love more to achieve your dreams and ambitions.I have also worked with the IEBC in 2019 in partnership with Kenya Census as a supervisor in compiling data for those abled differently hence offering guidince and counselling sessions to people abled differently something I find passion in.
Am currently teaching at moi kapsowar girls national school history/cre,the scout patron and saint johns ambulance patron,grade 10 form principal (642 learners),class teacher and head of subject (cre) plus vitiligo society of Kenya chairman
Jane Wairimu
Treasurer
Jane Wairimu is the Treasurer of the Vitiligo Society of Kenya (VISOKE) and a passionate advocate for vitiligo awareness, inclusion, and support.
Read Full Bio
Having lived with vitiligo for over 20 years, she brings both lived experience and dedicated leadership to the Society. Jane is committed to breaking stigma, empowering individuals affected by vitiligo, and promoting greater public understanding of the condition. Through her service, she helps strengthen VISOKE’s mission of fostering confidence, acceptance, and a supportive community for everyone living with vitiligo in Kenya.
15
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
23+
Thousand
Volunteers
1640
Saved
souls
About Us
Step forward to
serve humanity,
reachout & help
Reach out and help mitigate.
Help other people
We dream to create a bright future
Avoid unproven “miracle cures,” herbal remedies, or unregulated products — They can cause harm or delay effective care.
Vitiligo is not contagious, not caused by diet or “curse,” and is manageable with proper medical support.
Regular follow-up with a dermatologist is essential. Screening for associated conditions (e.g., thyroid issues) may be recommended.
1
Giving Love
Give love and care for the affected.
2
Donations
Give a helping hand by donating.
3
Volunteering
Join our team and help us stop myths about vitiligo.