Mudavadi says Kenya needs Ksh30B to tackle HIV
By Kiprono Keileb, November 30, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned that Kenya needs a major financial push to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS, saying the country requires at least Ksh30 billion to secure essential medicines and prevention supplies for the more than 1.3 million Kenyans living with the virus.
Mudavadi issued the remarks on Sunday, November 30, 2025, after representing President William Ruto at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration held at Nyayo Stadium.
He reflected on how the HIV journey has shaped Kenya over the past four decades.
“As I represented President William Ruto at the 2025 World AIDS Day Commemoration at Nyayo Stadium, I reflected on how HIV and AIDS have shaped our history for over four decades, testing our resilience and inspiring our resolve to save lives,” he said.
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Mudavadi said the burden is not only a medical issue but also a national responsibility that affects the well-being of future generations.
“With 1,326,336 people living with HIV in Kenya, our nation requires Kshs 30 billion to secure vital commodities for prevention, care, and long-term management. These numbers remind us that this fight is not just medical, but a national duty to protect our people and secure the well-being of future generations,” he stated.
Still a major concern
Mudavadi noted that while the virus remains a major global health concern, Kenya has made significant progress in treatment and prevention.
“I emphasised the President’s message that HIV and AIDS remain major global health concerns, especially for countries like ours. Yet Kenya has made notable progress. By last year, 87 per cent of people living with HIV were on Anti-Retroviral Treatment, and PMTCT coverage reached 90.1 per cent, ensuring healthier lives and HIV-free newborns,” he noted.
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He assured Kenyans that the government remains committed to making treatment and prevention services accessible to all.
“I reaffirmed the government’s commitment to guaranteeing that every Kenyan can access comprehensive prevention, care, and treatment services. Through continued collaboration with partners, we will ensure life-saving medication reaches all who need it,” he added.
Mudavadi concluded by urging Kenyans to remain united in the fight to eliminate HIV.
“Let us remain united and determined as we work towards an HIV-free Kenya,” he stated.
The World AIDS Day event brought together government officials, health experts, civil society and people living with HIV, all pushing for stronger funding and renewed efforts to end new infections.