Kenyan doctor proposes petition to recognise irreversible erectile dysfunction as a disability
By Valerian Khakayi, July 22, 2026Kenyan medical practitioner Dr Benson Kibore has proposed a petition seeking to have irreversible erectile dysfunction (ED) recognised as a disability.
According to him, the move would improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and address the condition’s impact on mental health and relationships.
Speaking about the proposal during a candid interview on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Dr Kibore said recognising irreversible erectile dysfunction as a disability would allow affected men to access medication and other forms of support once the petition is approved by Parliament.
“Once this is passed in parliament and it is recognised as a disability, the next step will be people being able to get access to medication,” Dr Kibore said.
Dr Kibore went on to say that men living with irreversible erectile dysfunction should be accorded the same dignity and recognition as people with other disabilities because the condition can significantly affect their quality of life.
“I want these people to enjoy life like any other person. Why is it a disability to have a bad eye? Why is it a disability to have a broken figure? Why is it a disability to have a shorter leg, and it is not a disability to have a failed engine?” he said.
He argued that sexual health is an important aspect of overall wellbeing and should not be ignored simply because it is considered a sensitive topic.
“This is a very important machine that needs to be protected; it is God who ordained that it do the purpose that it is supposed to do, and if it is not doing it, we need to classify it as not working, and we give the person the dignity he deserves, which is a disability,” he added.
Proposed petition
Dr Kibore said he is prepared to present his proposal before Parliament and expressed confidence that lawmakers would have an opportunity to consider the issue.
Beyond the petition, he is also calling for the development of a national sexual health policy that would encourage open discussions about sexual health and remove the stigma surrounding conditions such as erectile dysfunction.
“That is what we are calling for, and we are ready to have all presentations in parliament,” Dr Kibore said.
“What I have proposed is that we need to have a national sexual health policy so that we are able to converse around matters of sexuality openly.”
Additionally, Dr Kibore said that recognising irreversible erectile dysfunction as a disability should entitle affected individuals to tax exemptions and other disability benefits.
“Once erectile dysfunction is declared a disability, one needs to have all the privileges that a disabled person must have. These people need to have tax exemptions because their productivity levels are down,” he stated.
“It means having a reprieve in terms of how a normal person pays taxes. For example, we can have a provision in law or waiver by KRA so that their PAYE up to Ksh 150,000 is not taxed.”
Stigma
The doctor noted that many men suffer in silence because of the shame associated with erectile dysfunction, making it difficult for them to seek medical help or talk about their experiences.
“In our society it is a stigma for a man to say, ‘My engine has failed. ”You will be looked at, and they will say, “What are you for?”‘ he said.
Dr Kibore added that the condition can have far-reaching psychological effects, affecting a man’s confidence, relationships and overall mental wellbeing.
“The strength of any man is the ability to discharge his duty with strength and efficiency. Imagine a situation where you are being judged; you do not have that power. What happens? The mental and psychological impact that goes along with it,” Dr Kibore said.