Kenyans reject safe sex despite Aids

600 Kenyans die every day from Aids

Ishbel Matheson in Nairobi

A new survey on HIV/Aids in Kenya has revealed that many Kenyans have not changed their sexual behaviour, despite the fact that the disease is killing up to 600 people a day in the country.

In an independent poll commissioned by Kenya's leading media organisations over 55% said they thought condoms encouraged immorality.

Moi recently called for those who infect others with HIV to be hanged

The survey, carried out among 3,000 Kenyans across the country will provide food for thought for those working in the field of Aids prevention.

91% of those surveyed said they had heard of the disease.

Although this suggests a high awareness of HIV/Aids, it is lower than some government estimates of 99%.

Scary figures

But of those who do know about the virus, some 12% said it had not made them change their sexual behaviour.

David Makali, director of the Media Institute which commissioned the poll, described that figure as scary.

There is also resistance to the use of condoms as a means of preventing the spread of the virus.

Overall the survey gives the impression that although most Kenyans know about the disease which is devastating their country, they are confused about how to respond to it.

One clear message, though, is the desire for more information. Over 80% of those who took part in the survey wanted education about HIV/Aids to begin in primary schools.