Experts alarmed by declining condom use among adolescents

NSDCC boss Dr Ruth Masha said condom use is key in preventing HIV, other STIs, and unintended pregnancies.

by BY ROBERT OJWANG, KNA AND JOHN MUCHANGI

Health13 February 2025 - 19:36

In Summary

Condom use in Kenya is considered low, with statistics indicating an average of only 14.6 condoms used per man per year. This means that despite the potential for high protection, consistent condom usage is not widely practiced in the country.

Health experts have raised concerns over the declining use of condoms among sexually active adolescents in Kenya, warning that this trend exposes young people to a higher risk of contracting HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancies.

The concern was raised on Thursday during the International Condom Day celebrations at Rongo University. The event was organised by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) in partnership with the Migori County government and other key stakeholders.

NSDCC Chief Executive Officer Dr Ruth Masha noted that condom use is a key intervention in preventing HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.

"Young people aged 15-34 years are bearing the greatest brunt of the HIV epidemic and accounted for 73 per cenrt of adult new HIV infections estimated in 2024," she stated in a speech read on her behalf by Director Health Promotion, NSDCC, Dr Stephen Ndolo.

Dr Samuel Kinyanjui, the country director at Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), attributed the decline to a lack of comprehensive sexual health education and limited access to contraceptives, including condoms.

“These life-saving commodities are often unavailable at the most convenient places and at the critical moments when they are needed the most,” Dr Kinyanjui lamented.

Thursday’s aimed to promote condom use and sexual health awareness.

Condom use in Kenya is considered low, with statistics indicating an average of only 14.6 condoms used per man per year. This means that despite the potential for high protection, consistent condom usage is not widely practiced in the country.

Dr Kinyanjui stressed that Kenya requires at least 450 million condoms annually, emphasising that condom procurement and distribution should not be left solely to the government.

He urged the private sector to step in and support free distribution efforts, particularly for low-income populations.

“I propose that the government adopt a whole-market approach in its condom policies and consider exempting condoms from taxation to encourage easier importation by NGOs, ensuring affordability for those in need,” he said.

Currently, condom prices range from Sh100 to Sh 1,300 for a pack of three and up to Sh2,800 for a pack of 24, depending on the brand and flavor, making them unaffordable for many Kenyans.

Dr Kinyanjui also recommended that condom dispensers be installed in colleges, social places, and major HIV hotspots to enhance accessibility for young people.

“Therefore, the funds allocated by the government and NGOs for condom distribution should be seen as an investment rather than a liability, as they help reduce the financial burden of managing these health conditions,” Dr. Kinyanjui said.

Stanley Ngara, widely known as the Africa King of Condom echoed the sentiments urging the Kenyans to Kenyans to prioritise condom use as they prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14.

“Youths often say they don’t understand how to use condoms, they feel uncomfortable, or they claim condoms are expensive. Yet, they buy alcohol but won’t invest in protection. That’s why we are here to sensitize them and distribute free condoms to increase uptake,” Ngara said.

He also dismissed cultural myths discouraging young people from practicing safe sex, urging parents to have open conversations with their children about sexual health.

“A condom is one of the safest tools for protecting your life, yet many still face stigma because sex is perceived as an ‘adult’ issue. Eventually, parents are left in distress when their children come home with teenage pregnancies or HIV,” he said.

Migori County’s Health CEC, Caleb Opondo, affirmed the county’s commitment to increasing condom availability in public spaces despite budgetary cuts from foreign donors.

“All HIV programs, including testing, counseling, and other intervention measures, will remain free at all health facilities across the county,” Opondo said.

According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS 2022), approximately 1.3 million adults aged 15 and above are living with HIV.