Sex workers in Makueni County took to the streets in Mtito Andei on October 22, 2025, demanding urgent government intervention to restore and strengthen HIV and STIs prevention services.

Led by their county chair Caroline Kilonzi, the demonstrators drawn from Malili, Sultan Hamud, Emali, Makindu and Kibwezi carried colorful placards and chanted powerful slogans such as “NO HIV PREVENTION EQUALS TO NEW HIV CASES!” and “HIV PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN TREATING HIV!”

The peaceful march aimed to draw attention to what they described as a life-threatening gap left by reduced funding and support for HIV prevention programs targeting sex workers. 

“We are on the frontlines of risk every day. Without prevention services like PrEP, condoms and regular testing, our health and our lives are in danger,” said Ms. Kilonzi. “We are asking the government to act now to protect us, to protect everyone.”

Placards with messages such as “SEX WORKERS NEED HIV PREVENTION SERVICES,” “KEEP SEX WORKERS HEALTH SAFE,” and “SEX WORKERS’ LIVES MATTER” echoed through the town center, drawing the attention of everyone. 

The group expressed disappointment that several HIV prevention programs had been discontinued due to funding cuts, leaving many vulnerable. 

“These services kept us alive,” said one protester. “Now we are scared — we don’t know where to go for help, and we feel abandoned.”

The demonstrators urged the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Control Council (NACC) to prioritize a comprehensive HIV prevention plan for key populations, especially sex workers. 

They emphasized that prevention remains more cost-effective and humane than lifelong treatment.

Their slogans “WHY STOP FUNDING HIV PREVENTION SERVICES?”, “WHERE I AM… AM I SAFE?”, and “WE DEMAND OUR RIGHTS — ACT NOW!” highlighted not only their fear but also their determination to stand up for their human rights.

 “We are citizens. We deserve protection, respect, and access to health,” Kilonzi added. “Our message is simple prevention saves lives.”

The protest ended peacefully at the Mtito Andei Bus Park, where the group submitted a petition to local health authorities calling for immediate reinstatement of HIV prevention services in Makueni County.