A 2018 survey revealed that 70 per cent of condom users in Kenya are willing to purchase condoms if the free ones are unavailable.
Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua distribute free condoms to students of Rongo University during the International Condoms Day marked at the institution on Thursday.
Kenya is partnering with manufacturers to provide low-priced condoms to complement
the free ones issued by the government.The demand for condoms in Kenya stands at over 460 million but the
government only provides 150 million free condoms, according to the Ministry of
Health.The number of free condoms is likely to reduce if the US, a major
donor, proceeds with extensive aid cuts.The ministry has been exploring alternatives for long, but the funding
cuts by US has made the situation urgent, the National Syndemic Diseases
Control Council (NSDCC) said."Kenya is implementing a condom ‘Total Market Approach’ to ensure
that everyone can access condoms at an affordable price, including free public
ones for distribution to those unable to purchase them,” said NSDCC Chief
Executive Officer Dr Ruth Masha.“This is guided by the global dynamics that have led to dwindling donor
support compounded by limited domestic resources to sustain free condoms for
all populations," she said in a speech read on her behalf by NSDCC’s Director
Health Promotion Dr Stephen Ndolo during the International Condoms Day 2025
held in Rongo University on Thursday.
Dr Masha urged the private-sector investors to dive into the market to
help bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring a sustainable condom
supply.
"A vibrant economy presents opportunities for private sector growth
and local manufacturing, which will strengthen the supply chain and reduce
dependency on imports," she added.The total market approach has been successful in Nigeria, where low-priced
condoms make up 60 per cent of the market, compared to only 14 per cent in
Kenya.A 2018 survey revealed that 70
per cent of condom users in Kenya are willing to purchase condoms if the free
ones are unavailable.While condom use remains low in Kenya, with only 14.6 condoms per man
per year, correct and consistent condom use provides up to 95 per cent
protection against HIV, other STIs, and unintended pregnancy.Dr Masha highlighted challenges impacting the war against HIV citing
behavioral aspects and reduced funding for HIV related activities in the
country.She underscored the need for concerted efforts from various stakeholders
in scaling HIV prevention interventions to achieve the desired targets."This should start with the basics of abstinence, being faithful to
one sexual partner who is equally faithful to you and correctly and
consistently using condoms," the CEO stated.The World Condoms Day 2025 was themed “The Vybe is safe, just use it”.The theme emphasised the collective commitment to promoting condom use
as a key intervention in preventing HIV, other sexually transmitted infections
(STIs), and unintended pregnancies.The International Condom Day began in 2009 and has been celebrated
alongside Valentine’s Day, reinforcing the message of safe sex by promoting use
of condoms.This year, the NSDCC, in collaboration with Nascop, Kemsa, county
governments, together with the AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) and other key
partners, marked this day across five counties, including, Migori, Nairobi,
Kilifi, Laikipia, and Bungoma.NSDCC said despite the various interventions, HIV challenge still
remains a public health threat.The country recorded approximately 16,752 new HIV infections in 2024, a
60 per cent reduction in 4 years from 41,416 recorded in 2019.Dr Masha noted that young people aged 15-34 years are bearing the
greatest brunt of the HIV epidemic and accounted for 73 per cent of adult new
HIV infections estimated in 2024.According to Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022, only 24.1 per cent of
women and 45.4 per cent of men aged 15-49 who had two or more partners in the
12 months preceding the survey reported using a condom during their last sexual intercourse.
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Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua distribute free condoms to students of Rongo University during the International Condoms Day marked at the institution on Thursday.