Health officials and stakeholders have intensified campaigns promoting condom use among young people following alarming statistics indicating that 41 per cent of new HIV infections recorded in 2024 occurred among youth aged between 15 and 24 years.
The call was made during the commemoration of International Condom Day 2026 at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM). The event, organized by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) in partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation Kenya (AHF Kenya) and other partners, brought together students from TUM, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Bandari Maritime Academy and other institutions across Mombasa County.
Held under the national theme “Safer is Sexy, Wrap it Up,” participants emphasized the importance of combination prevention strategies, including abstinence, faithfulness to one partner, correct and consistent condom use, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection.
Dr. Stephen Ndolo, Director of Health Promotion and Programme Management at NSDCC, said the commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made in HIV prevention while reinforcing condom use as a critical pillar of comprehensive prevention.
“Condoms provide triple protection: against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancies,” Dr Ndolo stated. “Data from the Ministry of Health shows that in 2024, 41 per cent of new adult HIV infections occurred among young people aged 15 to 24 years. In Mombasa County, 34 per cent of new infections were among the youth.”
He noted that the government continues to provide free condoms to vulnerable and key populations, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men and young people unable to afford them. However, he said NSDCC is finalizing a review of the national condom strategy to adopt a total market approach in response to evolving funding realities.
“This approach includes free condoms for those who cannot afford them, socially marketed condoms at subsidized prices for those who can partially pay, and commercial options for individuals who are able to purchase at market rates,” Dr Ndolo explained. “Due to changing donor funding landscapes, we cannot sustain universal free distribution, hence the need for a balanced model.”
He urged Kenyans to normalize condom use and view it as a routine protective tool, similar to buying toothpaste or a toothbrush, emphasizing that responsible behavior should not be stigmatized.
Dr. Hamza Bulhan, Regional Medical Manager for the Coast Region at AHF Kenya, highlighted a significant supply gap that threatens prevention efforts.
“The country requires approximately 400 million condoms annually to meet the needs of the sexually active population, yet current stocks stand at about 150 million, leaving a deficit of 250 million,” Dr Bulhan said. “We appeal to the government to reduce taxes on condoms procured by partners to help bridge this gap.”
He warned that inadequate supplies risk fueling new infections, particularly among young people who often focus on preventing pregnancy while underestimating the continued threat of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
“Without sufficient access to condoms, infections will continue to rise. Recent trends already show that most new cases are among young people. We must intensify awareness and ensure commodities are accessible,” he added.
Dr Bulhan acknowledged ongoing efforts by the national government, county administrations and development partners to cushion HIV programmes amid shifting donor support but stressed the need for sustained and innovative financing.
Nancy Bosibori, a person living with HIV who has embraced her status through counselling and treatment, urged young people to protect their futures.
“Wrap it up if you must engage in sex,” she advised. “Do not jeopardize your future for a few minutes of pleasure.”
The event also provided integrated health services including HIV testing and counselling, cervical cancer screening and family planning services.
Peter Odero, Student President at TUM, said the university has made condoms freely available in hostels to support prevention efforts among students.
Munira Khamisi, TUM Vice President, commended the strong student turnout and encouraged open conversations about sexual health.
“This turnout shows our collective responsibility for health,” she said. “Young people should embrace information, challenge taboos, dismantle myths, break stigmas and build a future where sexual health is discussed openly and confidently.”
By Sitati Reagan
