The rising cost of intimacy in Kenya is alarming, with condom prices spiking due to increased taxes. This has led many Kenyans to forgo protection, causing a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and a greater reliance on emergency HIV drugs like post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The shortage of government-distributed free condoms, coupled with the high cost of contraceptives, has exacerbated the issue. If this trend continues, Kenya could face severe public health risks, including a significant rise in HIV cases, unintended pregnancies, and a strain on healthcare resources.
The economic burden of treating STIs, managing HIV/AIDS, and dealing with unintended pregnancies will overwhelm an already stretched healthcare system.
Additionally, the loss of productivity due to illness could have wider economic implications for the country. Education on safe sex practices could also be undermined if protective measures remain inaccessible to the population, threatening years of progress in public health. This scenario could erode the country’s ability to meet global health targets and could impact its development efforts if not addressed swiftly.