By Faith Museng’ya | November 3, 2026
Parliament has received a petition seeking to recognize severe low libido in men and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women as disabilities, paving the way for affected individuals to access government support and healthcare services.
The petition, presented to the Senate by Dr. Benson Kibore, argues that sexual dysfunction should be treated as a public health concern rather than a private issue, citing its potential effects on mental health, family stability and reproductive wellbeing.
Dr. Kibore, who holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology (Virology) from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a law degree at African Nazarene University, argues that severe sexual dysfunction meets the legal threshold for disability under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.
According to the petitioner, the conditions can have long-term physical and psychological consequences, including depression, relationship difficulties and reduced reproductive capacity, making legal recognition necessary to protect affected individuals.
In support of his petition, Dr. Kibore cites research suggesting that erectile dysfunction is increasingly affecting younger men. A 2026 study by Onyango and colleagues, published on medRxiv, found that 10.4 per cent of young men in Nairobi, with an average age of 27.4 years, experienced erectile dysfunction.
He also references a Ministry of Health advisory issued in December 2025 warning against the misuse of sildenafil products, commonly known by the brand name Viagra. The advisory raised concerns about self-medication and the potential health risks associated with improper use.
The petition further highlights the challenges faced by women living with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, a condition characterized by persistently reduced sexual desire that causes significant personal distress.
Dr. Kibore maintains that access to diagnosis and treatment remains limited, partly because sexual health services are not comprehensively covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefit package.
Among the key proposals is an amendment to the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, to expressly include clinically diagnosed severe low libido and HSDD as recognized disabilities. This would allow qualifying individuals to access relevant disability support services.
The petitioner is also calling for amendments to the Social Health Insurance Act to ensure SHA coverage for medical assessment, counselling and treatment of the conditions.
Additionally, he wants the Ministry of Health to develop national clinical guidelines and public awareness campaigns to address stigma surrounding sexual health.
The petition also proposes that parliamentary committees investigate the wider effects of sexual dysfunction on marriage, family stability and productivity.
The petition is now awaiting consideration through the parliamentary process, where relevant committees are expected to examine its proposals before lawmakers decide whether legislative changes are necessary.
