Kenyans are set to brace for costlier sex due to a shortage of free condoms in the country. The access to free condoms is attributed to a reduction in donor funding.
The scarcity comes amidst the escalating prices of condoms, which has amplified the risks of practicing safe sex.
Throughout the years, Kenyans have been able to acquire male condoms from public venues, including hospitals, and condom dispensers in public places. This accessibility has played a pivotal role in curbing unintended pregnancies among the youth.
Condoms have also contributed to a reduction in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and gonorrhea. This is crucial especially since data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) shows that each Kenyan man has an average of seven sexual partners.
On the other hand, Kenyan women have an average of 2.3 sexual partners. Interestingly only 24 percent of women with more than one partner use condoms while 45 percent of men use the life-saving contraceptive.
Dr. Ruth Laibon, the CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), conveyed her assurance that a resolution to the shortage will be reached imminently. She additionally pointed out that commercial outlets are still offering condoms.
“In the country, there exists an adequate supply of condoms. The potential issue might lie in the decrease of freely accessible condoms,” she remarked.
“The reduction in free condoms is primarily attributed to the decline in external (donor) resources that were previously available during the initial days of the epidemic. These resources supplemented the government’s financial allocation for condom procurement.”
Only 24% of women in Kenya with more than one partner use condoms, compared to 45% of men.
Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 2022
Government responsibility to address shortage
She reassured the Kenyan populace that the government is working diligently to address this shortage.
“Potential solutions include collaborating with manufacturers to establish satellite condom production facilities in Kenya. This measure could lead to cost-effective and abundant condom availability,” she highlighted.
Dr. Laibon further emphasized that ensuring the availability of free condoms is a governmental responsibility.
“The condom is an indispensable tool that should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures. It stands as one of the earliest methods discovered, and in the realm of HIV response, it has saved countless lives. Even during times when medical treatments were scarce, condoms remained available,” she underscored.
Dr. Laibon delivered these remarks during a press conference in Mombasa, held before the commencement of the Maisha conference. The conference aims to evaluate the progress achieved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In Kenya, approximately 1.4 million people are living with HIV with a 4.2% national prevalence.
According to the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) website, the annual requirement for condoms in Kenya stands at 400 million. However, the government is presently capable of providing only 150 million condoms.
