Members of Parliament have backed a Ksh280.8 million request to plug funding gaps in HIV prevention, warning that donor cuts threaten Kenya’s goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Taking it to their social media account on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Parliament has noted that while appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Seme Constituency MP James Nyikal, National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Acting CEO Douglas Bosire said shifting global financing has left prevention programmes, especially for young people and vulnerable groups, exposed.

Cases of increased infections reported

“In 2024 alone, we recorded 18,900 new infections, with 41 per cent among those aged 15–24. Awareness among young people stands at just 55 per cent,” Bosire said.

Bosire further noted that donor support has increasingly focused on treatment, leaving prevention initiatives such as community outreach, drop-in centres and voluntary medical male circumcision underfunded.

He cautioned that disruptions to support groups for pregnant women risk reversing gains in preventing mother-to-child transmission.

MPs call for justification

Members of Parliament questioned the State Department for Medical Services to justify the additional allocation.

The MPs questioned whether the request would be sufficient to reverse rising infections, urging proper documentation to support an expanded budget ceiling.

The legislators further cited high infection and teenage pregnancy rates in the country, warning that inaction could “cost a generation.”

Committee Vice Chair Patrick Munene stressed the need to protect gains made in HIV, TB and malaria control, terming a resurgence both a health and economic threat.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga said discussions on external funding are ongoing, but the anticipated resources are not yet reflected in the Budget Policy Statement. Treasury has until March 31 to finalise the development budget.

The committee of the National Assembly on health called on the prioritisation of critical interventions, noting that identified needs exceed the available ceiling, hence the need for more funding.