Health officials are raising concern after new data revealed a sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Nairobi, amid an ongoing shortage of condoms across the country.
According to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Kenya, a total of 840 STI cases were recorded over a six-month period in three of its clinics located in Parklands, Kangundo Road and Mathare.
Between July 2025 and January 2026, AHF screened 5,000 clients for various STIs. Of those tested, 300 were diagnosed with syphilis, while 290 and 250 cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia were confirmed respectively.
The screening targeted both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Alarmingly, about 90 percent of clients who presented with symptoms tested positive for different STIs, with syphilis accounting for a significant proportion of the infections.
Speaking during the lead-up to International Condom Day 2026, Dr Calsine Onditi of AHF Kenya warned that progress made in HIV prevention could be undermined if rising STI trends are not addressed.
“We are losing ground—quietly. While we celebrate medical advancements like PrEP, which are fantastic for preventing HIV, we must remember that STIs, particularly syphilis, are rising worldwide,” she said.
Condom deficit deepens crisis
Health experts attribute the spike in infections largely to the country’s acute condom shortage. Kenya currently faces a deficit of 250 million condoms, with only 150 million available against an estimated annual need of 400 million for the sexually active population.
“What we need in the country is 400 million condoms to cater for the sexually active population, and what we have at the moment is 150 million,” health stakeholders noted.
The shortage has been compounded by dwindling donor support, prompting calls for urgent government intervention. Stakeholders are now urging authorities to remove taxation on condoms to improve accessibility and curb the growing STI burden.
Public health advocates warn that without immediate action, the country risks reversing gains made in sexual and reproductive health programs.
