A petition has been submitted to the National Assembly seeking legal recognition of clinically diagnosed sexual dysfunctions, including persistent low libido and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), under Kenya’s disability and healthcare frameworks.
The petition, filed by Dr. Benson Kibore, argues that sexual dysfunction is a significant public health issue with far-reaching effects on individuals, families, mental health and relationships, and should be addressed through legislative reforms and improved access to medical care.
Dr. Kibore wants Parliament to amend the Persons with Disabilities Act, No. 4 of 2025, to recognise clinically diagnosed sexual disabilities where the condition causes substantial and long-term impairment in carrying out ordinary day-to-day activities.
He is also proposing amendments to the Social Health Insurance Act, No. 16 of 2023, and its accompanying regulations to ensure assessment, diagnosis, counselling and treatment of medically recognised sexual dysfunctions are covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits package.
According to the petition, untreated sexual dysfunction should not be viewed solely as a private or relationship issue but as a medical condition with wider social and health consequences. Dr. Kibore argues that the condition can contribute to marital conflict, family instability, poor mental health and a reduced quality of life.
The petition references provisions of the Marriage Act, 2014, which list exceptional depravity among the grounds for dissolution of marriage, arguing that untreated sexual dysfunction may contribute to relationship breakdowns.
Dr. Kibore further notes that erectile dysfunction and low libido are increasingly affecting younger people, contrary to the common perception that they are conditions associated only with older adults. He cites findings from the study Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men in Nairobi County, Kenya: A Community-Based Study, which reported that 10.4 per cent of surveyed young men experienced erectile dysfunction, with participants having an average age of 27.4 years.
The petition also raises concern over the growing misuse of sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, among young people without medical supervision. It cites a Ministry of Health advisory issued on December 22, 2025, warning against the illegal over-the-counter sale and misuse of the drug due to potential health risks, including cardiovascular complications in people with underlying medical conditions.
According to Dr. Kibore, the recreational use of sexual enhancement drugs may conceal underlying illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, hormonal disorders and mental health conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment.
The petition also draws attention to Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), describing it as a medically recognised condition characterised by a persistent lack of sexual desire that causes personal distress or relationship difficulties. It argues that women affected by HSDD often face stigma and limited access to specialised healthcare services.
Among the proposed reforms are the development of national clinical guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of sexual dysfunctions, expanded access to specialised services including urology, gynaecology, endocrinology and psychiatry, and nationwide public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding sexual health conditions.
Dr. Kibore is also calling on Parliament to direct relevant government agencies to support research into sexual health disorders, including their prevalence, causes, treatment outcomes and socio-economic impact.
The petition invokes several constitutional provisions, including Articles 37, 43, 45, 94, 95 and 119, arguing that the proposed changes would strengthen the right to healthcare, protect family wellbeing and uphold the dignity of individuals living with medically recognised sexual health conditions.
If admitted, the petition will be referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for consideration before recommendations are presented to the National Assembly.
