HIV/AIDS in Kenya

Kenya has a severe, generalized HIV epidemic – currently the 7th highest globally – with an HIV prevalence of 4.3% amongst adults aged 15 - 49 in 2023 and approximately 18,000 related adult deaths that year.

However, since the 2000s, the country has experienced a notable decline in HIV prevalence, attributed in part to significant behavioral change and increased access to ARV (antiretroviral drugs, also known as antiretroviral treatment/ART). Adult HIV prevalence is estimated to have fallen from 10% in the late 1990s to as low as 3.2% in 2023. From 2010 to 2023, Kenya decreased its annual new HIV infections by 75%, and is on track to reach the target of reducing new HIV infections by 90% by 2030 in accordance with UNAIDS goals.

Women face a considerably higher risk of HIV infection than men, but have longer life expectancies than men when on ART. UNAIDS Data 2024 reports adult women are at a higher risk of HIV infections than adult men. Populations in Kenya that are especially at risk include sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), transgender individuals and prisoners. Other groups also include discordant couples (where one partner is infected and the other is not) however successful ARV-treatment will prevent transmission. Other groups at risk are prison communities, uniformed forces, and truck drivers.

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