Nairobi News

Sex workers in Busia have claimed that the county has an acute shortage of condoms and lubricants.

Through their umbrella body – Survivors Self-Help Group – the sex workers says most of them are now at risk of contracting HIV / AIDS because of the inadequate supply.

Speaking in Busia town on Friday, the organization’s director Carolyne Kemunto said their membership stands at 2,500 with members spread to various urban centres including Nambale, Bumala, Funyula, Matayos, Busia Town and Port Victoria.

“We also have our colleagues who include MSM (Men having sex with men) and trans-gender men and women, but they lack condoms and lubricants,” she said.

In response, Busia county first lady Judy Ojaamong provided the sex workers one carton of condom with a promise to add them more.

Mrs Ojaamong said Busia town, being a border town with a high spread of HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted diseases, needs take precautions on unprotected sex.

“Owing to the large number of the members, we are sending an appeal for more condoms and lubricants to meet the group’s demand,” she said

She promised to bring more condoms through the National Aids Control Council and other organizations.

Mrs Ojaamong urged sex workers not to shy away from talking about their status in the society.

Ms Kemunto said the donated condoms will be distributed to bars and other social places in Nambale, Matayos, Bumala, and Budalangi.