Despite over 1 million Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) being acquired globally each day, condom access in Kenya remains a pressing challenge, exacerbated by dwindling donor funding and high taxation on condoms.
With young people accounting for 56.8% of all new infections and a 14% unmet need for contraception, barriers to condom affordability and availability pose a significant risk to public health.
To address these challenges, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Kenya commemorated International Condom Day (ICD) on February 13, 2025, with simultaneous events in Migori, Nairobi’s Mathare Slums, and Kilifi.
The events featured free condom distribution, HIV and STI testing, youth-led discussions, roadshows, dance competitions, and talent showcases—all aimed at advocating for increased access to and use of condoms.
Speaking at the event in Mathare, Head of the HIV Programme in Nairobi County, Anthony Kiplagat emphasised the urgent need for targeted interventions among adolescents and young people.
“In Nairobi County, we have made significant strides in HIV programming, particularly in reducing new infections. However, we face a challenge among adolescents and young people aged 15–24, who account for 30% of new HIV infections each year,” said Mr Kiplagat.
Taxation
A key factor contributing to limited access is the taxation of condoms. Despite being a proven, cost-effective method of preventing HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, condoms in Kenya are taxed as medical devices, subjecting them to a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) and additional import duties, which drive up costs, making condoms unaffordable.
“Many Africans lack access to condoms due to barriers such as stockouts, unaffordable prices and high taxation. We call on governments and stakeholders to remove these barriers, prioritise funding, and ensure free or affordable condoms are accessible to all who need them,” AHF Africa Bureau Chief Dr Penninah Lutung.
This commemoration takes place against a backdrop of dwindling donor funding for HIV prevention. In 2023 alone, donor funding for HIV saw a decrease of US$358 million, forcing public health programmes to scale down free condom distribution. This funding shortfall has further strained Kenya’s condom supply, which faces a shortfall of nearly 100 million condoms annually, highlighting the unsustainable reliance on donor contributions.
To combat the taxation and funding crises, Dr Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya Country Director, has called for a “whole-market approach” to condom distribution. This three-tiered system aims to establish a sustainable, government-owned condom access system, balancing free distribution, affordable pricing, and commercial sales. Dr. Kinyanjui states that such an approach would reduce Kenya’s dependence on unpredictable donor contributions and ensure that all individuals—regardless of income—can access condoms.
“A whole-market approach to condom distribution is essential. We propose a system where 50% (200 million condoms) should be allocated for free, non-taxed distribution to lower-income individuals; 40% (150 million condoms) should be socially marketed at low cost and taxed; and 10% (50 million condoms) can be designated for the premium market without government incentives,” said Dr Kinyanjui.
Speaking at the AHF event in Mathare, Dr Naomi Kahoro, Regional Retention Programme Coordinator at AHF Kenya, underscored the importance of increasing access to condoms, particularly for young women, highlighting their role in preventing unwanted pregnancies, which often force girls to drop out of school, affecting their overall quality of life and future opportunities.
Observed annually on 13 February, International Condom Day is a global initiative that promotes condom use as an essential tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies. Through awareness campaigns, community-driven events, and policy advocacy, civil society organizations continue to push for affordable, accessible, and stigma-free condom use nationwide.
