Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking International Condom Day on 13th February 2025. Since its inception in 2009, it has been an informal observance celebrated in conjunction with Valentine’s Day seeking to promote the use of condoms as a means of preventing unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.

Themed Vybe safely, Just Use It The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council and partners marked the 2025 International Condom Day to promote correct and consistent condom use and increase condom uptake as one of the most efficient and convenient ways against HIV and AIDS. The event was marked at Rongo University grounds as the council sought to rally partners and stakeholders to advance condom advocacy in the prevention of HIV and AIDS, especially among young people.

Despite progress in reducing new HIV infections by 60% over the past four years, Kenya is still off track in meeting its goal of a 75% reduction by 2025. In 2023, 16,752 new HIV infections were recorded, with young people aged 15-34 years accounting for 73% of new adult cases. Unprotected heterosexual sex remains the primary driver of new HIV infections, accounting for over 80% of cases. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022) further highlights that only 24.1% of women and 45.4% of women aged 15-49 who had multiple partners reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter. Additionally, the disturbing resurgence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and high cases of teen pregnancies in the country are clear indicators of unprotected sex thus calling for urgent measures to promote safe sex practices.

The Council is thus intensifying efforts together with partners to increase the use of condoms especially among young people. This will be achieved through demand creation for the uptake of both male and female condoms among sexually active people, ensuring coordinated distribution of condoms to reach the targeted population in the communities, promoting condom education, and an effective monitoring and evaluation system to provide good quality data for an impactful condom programming in the country.

Dr. Stephen Ndolo, Director of Health Promotion, speaking on behalf of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council CEO Dr. Ruth Masha, emphasized the need to strengthen HIV prevention strategies. “The statistics are concerning. With young people bearing the greatest burden of new infections, we must step up efforts to ensure consistent condom use, access to accurate information, and behavior change interventions to curb the spread of HIV.” Dr. Ndolo stated.

Dr. Ndolo also highlighted Kenya’s Total Market Approach to condom access in the face of shifting global funding. This strategy aims to balance affordable commercial options with free public distribution to ensure equitable access for all, regardless of ability to pay.

Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua reiterated Dr. Ndolo’s sentiments noting that the Government, is committed to ending the overlapping challenge of pregnancies, new HIV infections, and sexual gender-based violence among adolescents and young people.

AHF Country Director Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, expressed concern about condom shortages, with the current provision of 150 million falling short of the demand of over 450 million per year.

“Condoms remain one of the most effective tools in preventing HIV and other STIs. We must work together to ensure availability, affordability, and usage, especially among young people.” Said Dr. Kinyanjui.

Prof. Samuel Gudu, Vice Chancellor of Rongo University, emphasized the role of academia in health awareness: “Universities are key partners in advancing sexual and reproductive health education. We are committed to providing young people with knowledge and resources that empower them to make informed choices about their health.”

International Condom Day 2025 was observed across five counties—Nairobi, Kilifi, Laikipia, Bungoma, and Migori as stakeholders continue to advocate for collective action to strengthen HIV prevention, condom accessibility, and safe sex awareness nationwide.