The Kenyan Parliament has received a petition proposing that reduced sexual desire in men and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women be recognized as disabilities. Submitted to the Senate on Wednesday, the petition argues that sexual dysfunction should be treated as a public health issue rather than a private matter, as its consequences affect mental health, family stability, and reproductive health.
The petition was submitted by Dr. Benson Kibore, who holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s in Applied Microbiology (Virology) from the University of Nairobi and is pursuing legal studies at the African Nazarene University. Dr. Kibore asserts that these conditions meet the legislative criteria for recognition as disabilities under the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2025. He emphasizes that severe sexual dysfunction has long-term physical and psychological consequences, including depression, relationship breakdowns, and reduced reproductive capacity, and thus deserves legal recognition and access to state support.
Increase in Cases and Risks of Self-Medication
In the petition, Dr. Kibore cites a study indicating that erectile dysfunction is increasingly affecting young men. He refers to a study by Onyango et al. from 2026, published on medRxiv, which found that 10.4% of young men in Nairobi, with an average age of 27.4 years, had erectile dysfunction. He also references guidelines from the Ministry of Health issued in December 2025, which warn against the misuse of sildenafil drugs, commonly sold as “Viagra”, noting that the growing trend of self-medication exposes users to serious health risks.
The petition also claims that many women suffer from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, a condition characterized by persistently low sexual desire that can cause emotional distress and strain intimate relationships. Dr. Kibore notes that current health funding leaves many patients without access to diagnosis, counseling, or treatment, as sexual health services are not fully covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA) service package.
Proposals for Legislative Changes and Support
Among the proposals submitted to Parliament is an amendment to the Persons with Disabilities Act aimed at explicitly recognizing clinically diagnosed low sexual desire and HSDD as disabilities, allowing affected individuals to qualify for state support. The petition also calls for amendments to the Social Health Insurance Act to ensure SHA coverage for the assessment, counseling, and treatment of these conditions.
Additionally, it urges the Ministry of Health to develop national clinical guidelines and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding sexual health. The petition also recommends that parliamentary committees examine the broader impact of sexual dysfunction on family stability, productivity, and marriage. Currently, the petition has been received by Parliament and is expected to be referred to the relevant committees, after which legislators will determine whether the proposed changes require legislative approval.
Source: AllAfrica
