AI Illustrated
Kenya recorded a continued decline in condom uptake in 2025, raising concerns over growing exposure to unprotected sex as more users appear to be shifting towards longer-term contraceptive methods, a new survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows.
The report indicates that use of both male and female condoms has been falling consistently since 2023, even as implants remain among the most preferred contraceptive methods in health facilities.
Data from the survey shows male condom uptake dropped to 510,173 users in 2025 from 638,043 in 2024 and 721,857 in 2023.
Female condom uptake also continued its downward trend, declining sharply to 16,760 in 2025 from 25,673 in 2024 and 68,403 in 2023.
The figures suggest fewer Kenyans are using barrier methods, the only contraceptives that offer protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
“Most contraceptive methods recorded declines during the review period,” the KNBS report stated.
The drop in condom use comes amid broader declines in several family planning methods. Uptake of family planning injections, one of the most common methods in Kenya, declined by 10.9 per cent among new clients and 8.6 per cent among revisit clients.
Combined oral contraceptive pills also recorded a significant fall, with new clients declining by 29.9 per cent while revisits dropped by 22.7 per cent.
“The uptake of combined oral contraceptive pills declined by 29.9 per cent for new clients and 22.7 per cent for revisits,” the report said.
Despite the broader declines, implants remained one of the most popular contraceptive choices among women seeking longer-term birth control.
New implant users stood at 692,212 in 2025, slightly lower than 713,784 recorded in 2024 but still significantly higher than 686,954 in 2023 and 566,769 in 2022.
Meanwhile, revisits for implant services increased to 336,719 in 2025 from 328,817 in 2024, suggesting sustained preference among existing users.
“Implants declined by 3.0 per cent for new clients, while revisits increased by 2.4 per cent,” KNBS noted.
The data points to a possible shift from short-term and barrier methods to long-term contraceptives, particularly implants, which are widely considered convenient and cost-effective over time.
Other contraceptive methods also posted declines. Progestin-only pills fell by 15 per cent among new users, while sterilisation through bilateral tubal ligation dropped by 13.9 per cent.
Vasectomy was the only method to record growth, increasing by 9.2 per cent in 2025, though uptake remained comparatively low at 415 clients.
Health experts have long warned that declining condom use could reverse gains made in HIV prevention and sexual health awareness, particularly among younger populations and sexually active adults.
The KNBS findings raise fresh questions over whether changing contraceptive preferences, supply issues or reduced public awareness campaigns are influencing the shift away from condoms.
“The trends point to the need for sustained efforts to improve uptake and ensure access to family planning services,” the report says.
While implants appear to be attracting more women seeking reliable pregnancy prevention, the fall in condom use suggests protection against infections may be receiving less attention.
The report comes as Kenya continues efforts to strengthen reproductive health outcomes and reduce maternal and child health risks through wider access to modern contraceptives.
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