Kenya hit by condom shortage over taxes - activists

Kenyan civil society organizations lament the chronic lack of free condoms in the nation.

Normally, the life-saving goods are imported and given away without charge, but vendors no longer give Kenyans free condoms because of excessive tariffs.

As it will aid in lowering the number of new HIV infections, the activists want the government to reduce levies on the items.

Only 150 million of Kenya's yearly 455 million condom needs can be purchased by the government.

Campaigns to prevent HIV and other STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia center around the use of condoms.

But for the past two years, it has been difficult to find a particular brand that the government has been giving away in public hospitals all around Kenya.

Government import taxes have been blamed by civil society organizations.

Three condoms come in a packet for roughly $1, which is too expensive for many.

Every year, Kenya reports 34,000 new HIV infections. However, there has been a continuous rise since 2020, particularly among sex workers.

And there are worries that Kenya could undo the progress gained in combating HIV over the years.