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Female sex workers have 27% HIV prevalence rate compared to men’s 18% – Report
07th October, 2025 11:43 PM
A new report released by the Ministry of Health and backed by Andrew Mulwa, the Head of the National AIDS and STI Control Division, has shown a worrying disparity in HIV prevalence among key population groups in Kenya.
The report reveals that female sex workers have a 27% HIV prevalence rate, compared to 18% among men who have sex with men.
Speaking during the report’s release on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Mulwa said the country now has a clearer understanding of how the virus is transmitted and which groups remain most at risk.
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Health officials highlight transmission trends
“Female sex workers have a 27% HIV prevalence rate, and men who have sex with fellow men have an 18% HIV prevalence rate,” Mulwa said.
“We now understand the virus, how it’s transmitted, and who is transmitting it,” he added.
Mulwa emphasised that although Kenya has made progress in combating HIV, the persistence of high-risk sexual behaviour among vulnerable groups calls for renewed efforts in prevention and awareness campaigns.
He noted that addressing stigma, poverty, and social vulnerabilities remains key to lowering new infection rates.
The data, according to the Ministry, will help shape targeted interventions focusing on youth and marginalised populations who face economic and social barriers to accessing HIV services.
The statistics come after Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale said that Kenya’s HIV fight is at risk.
Economic hardship linked to rising infections
Speaking separately, Ibrahim, a university student, expressed concern over the growing number of young people contracting HIV due to economic challenges and exploitation.
“Many young people are getting HIV/AIDS because of the economy; some girls have sex to earn a living. Some lecturers also prey on young students and promise them good grades,” he said.
His remarks echo a growing sentiment that financial hardships and limited health education continue to expose students to risky sexual behaviour.
National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) Chief Executive Officer Douglas Bosire also raised alarm over the high rate of unprotected sex among teenagers.
“In 2024, Kenya recorded 240,000 pregnancy cases of teens between 10–19 years old. There’s a lot of unprotected sex among young people who have never seen somebody living with advanced HIV&AIDS,” Bosire said.
Bosire urged for greater investment in sexual health education and community dialogue, stressing that consistent prevention, testing, and treatment campaigns are vital to reducing HIV transmission across the country.
