Chakula Kwanza!! William Kabogo shares thoughts on condom shortage in Kenya

Piece by: Maureen Waruinge

29 November 2022

• Ex-Kiambu Governor Kabogo says condoms are not a priority now that Kenyans are battling hunger.

Civil society on Monday November 28 warned of a looming condom shortage.

While sounding the warning, the groups said there is likely to be a crisis.

The AIDs Healthcare Foundation has said despite Kenya making gains in the fight against HIV/AIDs, there is a high risk of rolling back if condom shortage is not addressed.

They said the Kenyan government procures 150 million pieces against a projected demand of 466 million.

Ex Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has shared his deep thoughts about this deficit.

On his Twitter account, Kabogo opined that it's not an important matter.

"That’s the least of our problems as a country. Food security and affordance is No. 1 or should be I think. The urge can’t come to hungry people."

He added that

"Chakula kwanza."

AHF Kenya country director Dr Samuel Kinyanjui said there is a gap of about 112 million condoms, which translates to a budgetary hole of Sh38 million.

"A spot check of many public health facilities, offices, hotels and restaurants confirms they have had no condoms in their dispensers for a prolonged period," Kinyanjui said.

The civil society has blamed the shortage on heavy taxation in the country.

According to Kinyanjui, the current aggregate tax regime slapped on condom procurements is shilling for a shilling.

Kinyanjui also said condoms must be viewed as an investment and not a cost.

“Statistically, with enough condoms, the country will be saved from treating more than 800,000 newly infected persons in the next ten years. Also, up to 5.3 million unplanned pregnancies, 60 per cent of which are teenage, will be averted,” he said.

The director said the cost of treating one infected person every year is about Sh30,000, which is avoidable.