Kenya has some of the highest numbers in regard to those affected with HIV/AIDS. the numbers reflect epidemic proportions. 
In 2003 it was estimated that 1.2 million people were living with the disease.
The Teachers Service Commission recently found that more than 5,000 teachers infected with HIV have access to retro-viral drugs and nutritional supplements. Even though this number is on the rise, hundreds of others are still dying for many reasons.
Prostitution is one of the most appalling causes of the spread of this deadly disease. Its appalling not just within the act itself but that the poverty stricken country has pushed young girls into the industry. These young girls drop out of school and turn to prostituting which earns them no more than $15 a month. This meager amount isn’t enough still, which forces the girls into prostitution at even younger ages so that they can earn more money daily.
A cultural system called wife inheritance is another cause for the spread of HIV/AIDS. This is when a widow is inherited by her late husband’s brother. This custom has been around since the dawn of time. However, the in-law could only inherit if he had his own family and it was forbidden to have sexual contact between the two. The custom was meant for family to take care of family. This tradition has now evolved into an opportunity for spreading the virus.
A third major cause for the spread of HIV/AIDS is a severely male dominated society. Here in Kenya, women are not included in decision making especially important decisions. A woman has no rights especially when it comes to asking a man to wear protection. Women are treated as sex objects and have no recourse.
There are many other reasons as to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Kenya. But the more people that know the causes the sooner we can help those in need.
