The National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) is set to distribute up to 50,000 condoms during this year’s Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, in a bid to curb the spread of HIV in a region where prevalence remains alarmingly high.
The council’s regional coordinator Stephen Oyugi announced that at least 10,000 condoms will be made available each day throughout the conference, with distribution points strategically located for easy access.
The initiative began last Sunday during a music concert at Ruma National Park ahead of the second edition of the Roan Antelope Half Marathon which took place on Monday. The festivities drew large crowds from neighbouring areas, with ohangla musicians providing vibrant entertainment in a cultural dance that preceded the sporting event.
Mr Oyugi noted that the condom distribution was a joint effort between the council and the Homa Bay County Department of Health. However, he acknowledged a pressing challenge – the proper disposal of used condoms.
“They were distributed in open grounds and used in what are colloquially known as ‘green lodges’. While we support condom use, we must now address the issue of environmentally sound disposal,” Mr Oyugi said.
The term “green lodge” refers to makeshift, often informal, meeting places in open or secluded areas such as parks.
According to Mr Oyugi, the park’s dark alleys and open environment created conditions that facilitated such encounters.
“This was a unique scenario. Given that it is a park, we observed evidence of intimate activity in hidden corners. The presence of used condoms confirms that the ‘green lodge’ phenomenon is very much alive,” he explained.
Homa Bay County currently reports an HIV prevalence rate of 10.6 per cent – one of the highest in the country. Mr Oyugi emphasised that condom use remains one of the most effective methods of preventing HIV transmission and affirmed that the council is well-stocked for the upcoming conference.
“We have sufficient supplies and the event is well-covered in terms of condom distribution,” he said, adding that locations for distribution will include accommodation centres, the main conference venue and other key access points across the town.
The discourse around HIV in Homa Bay recently drew national attention following controversial remarks by Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior earlier this year.
In April, while flagging off a county sports team travelling to the 10th edition of the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) tournament – held in Homa Bay – Governor Kilonzo urged Makueni youth to exercise caution.
“Simple mistakes can lead to infection,” he warned, referencing Vuta Pumzi, a song by the Longombas that addresses social issues including HIV.
He suggested that residents of Homa Bay led a lifestyle more inclined towards leisure than those in Makueni, implying a link to the region’s high HIV rates.
“As a parent, I must speak up. I would be irresponsible not to. Homa Bay is a beautiful county, but their lifestyle is different – they enjoy leisure,” he remarked.
The governor further claimed that HIV has been normalised in Homa Bay to such an extent that those living with the virus speak openly about their condition with some even asking friends to help them collect antiretroviral drugs from health centres.
“They treat it like a common illness. There is no stigma; it is simply part of life,” he said.
His comments sparked widespread criticism, after a video of the speech went viral on social media.
Mr Oyugi said breaking the stigma surrounding HIV is actually a critical step in improving health outcomes.
“Stigma is a major barrier to service uptake. If a community can overcome it and embrace open dialogue about treatment, that is a significant win for the HIV response,” he said.
Following the backlash, Governor Kilonzo issued a public apology, clarifying that he had no intention of stigmatising or insulting the people of Homa Bay.
“I was merely cautioning our youth. I recognise that my remarks may have caused misunderstanding,” he wrote in a letter shared by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
