Narok: Alarming rates of HIV infections, mother-to-child transmission, and persistent harmful cultural practices have prompted urgent calls for community sensitisation and intervention in Narok County. Speaking during a three-day sensitisation forum organised by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), local leaders and residents emphasised the need to tackle the complex web of factors fuelling the spread of HIV and other related diseases in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nixon Chepkwon, Principal Program Officer at NSDCC, said the event aimed to empower grassroots women leaders to champion change in their communities. 'Narok has a population of over 1.3 million, with more than 15,000 people living with HIV. We're seeing approximately 399 new infections annually - this is deeply concerning,' said Chepkwon. He noted that Narok's mother-to-child HIV transmission rate currently stands at 15 per cent, three times higher than the national target of below five per cent.
Chepkwon pointed to harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriages, and gender-based violence as key drivers of new infections. 'We know that in Narok, FGM is still practised. It not only causes physical and psychological trauma but also increases the risk of HIV, especially when non-sterile instruments are used on multiple girls,' he explained.
The NSDCC is focusing on empowering local women leaders-including small-scale businesswomen, commonly known as mamambogas-to lead behaviour change within their circles and beyond. 'These women hold significant influence in their communities. When they speak out against practices like FGM or advocate for safe sexual practices, people listen,' he said.
Chepkwon also addressed concerns over the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs amid global funding uncertainties. 'We want to reassure the public that there is currently no shortage of ARVs, not in Narok or elsewhere in Kenya. Anyone living with HIV should continue their treatment without fear,' he affirmed. 'But while we continue supporting those already on treatment, our bigger challenge is to prevent new infections.'
Narok resident Penina Naserian Tauta, who attended the sensitisation forum, echoed the urgency of addressing both cultural and medical issues fuelling HIV spread. 'We saw the data, and it shows that HIV is still very high among our youth. As mothers, this is terrifying,' she said. Tauta said she was particularly moved by the discussions around ending FGM, a practice she believes continues to harm young girls in both obvious and hidden ways.
Another participant, Mary Sinigi, a resident of Narok Town, emphasised the role men must play in the fight against HIV. 'We've seen that many new infections are coming from unprotected sex, especially among older men,' she said. Sinigi called on men to prioritize their families' well-being and avoid risky behaviours. 'Loving your family means protecting them, and that includes sexual responsibility,' she said.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from community leaders and government representatives to step up efforts in public education, cultural transformation, and equitable health access. Chepkwon emphasised that prevention remains the most sustainable solution, urging a united front in tackling the root causes of HIV spread. 'From female genital mutilation and child marriage to stigma and misinformation, these challenges are interconnected. We must confront them collectively if we are to build a healthier, more resilient future for the people of Narok,' he said.