70% of Kenya's new HIV infections recorded among people aged 15 and 34

The alarming situation came under focus in Nairobi during the National Round Table Forum on Ending the Triple Threat, where State and non-state actors raised concern over the worsening crisis.

They warned that the situation could spiral out of control unless urgent and targeted interventions are put in place.

Stakeholders say the three challenges are interconnected and require a coordinated response.

Kenya’s HIV response indicates that young people remain among those most affected, while 70 per cent of new HIV infections are among people aged between 15 and 34.

The latest statistics from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council paint a worrying picture of new HIV infections among young Kenyans.

“Seventy per cent of new infections are among people between the ages of 15 and 34. This means that young people are engaging in unsafe sex,” Dr Douglas Bosire, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, stated.

Adolescent pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence also remain major threats to children’s safety, with about 640 children presenting themselves at health facilities with pregnancies every day. 

Overall, about 236,000 children aged between 10 and 19 have presented themselves at health facilities with pregnancies.

In maternity wings across Kenya, children are having babies, with hundreds of girls seeking medical care due to pregnancy every day.

Children, particularly adolescent girls, are often exposed to exploitation due to poverty, unsafe environments and adults who take advantage of their vulnerabilities.

Many cases of abuse remain unreported, while perpetrators go unpunished.

The National Round Table Forum on Ending the Triple Threat also raised concerns over the response to cases of child defilement.

“In the same year, we had 236,000 children aged between 10 and 19 presenting themselves in health facilities with pregnancies. Per day, that is 640 children,” Bosire added. 

“We do not have a commensurate number of defilement cases in court. It means that there is someone who is not doing their job right,” Catherine Mumma, a Nominated Senator, stated.

While HIV infections among young Kenyans remain a major concern, Kenya has made significant progress in its broader fight against the disease.

More than 1.3 million people living with HIV are now accessing treatment.

New HIV infections have also fallen sharply, highlighting the impact of the country’s HIV response.

However, officials say some people who need treatment have yet to be reached, with adolescents remaining a particular concern.

“These numbers are not our destiny as a country. We are committed to universal health coverage,” Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health, stated.

The triple threat also carries a high economic cost.

Stakeholders warn that if Kenya does not invest adequately in sexual and reproductive health, the country could lose an estimated 1.1 per cent of its gross domestic product.

“From the United Nations point of view, we have taken the triple threat as a priority,” Dr Richard Amenyah, the UNAIDS Country Director for Kenya, stated.

“Let us invest more in prevention,” Edna Indimuli, the People and Culture Manager at Plan International, stated.

Together with stakeholders, the government has started engaging communities in Kilifi and Homa Bay counties, which are among the hardest hit, by expanding access to adolescent-friendly health services.

“Young people must be at the heart of finding solutions to the challenge,” Rachel Ruto, the First Lady, stated.