A senior veterinary doctor and law student has formally petitioned Parliament to recognise clinically diagnosed low libido in men and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women as disabilities under the Constitution.
According to documents seen by Vantage Ke, the petitioner, Dr Benson Kibore, argues that the conditions should qualify for legal recognition and allow affected individuals to access healthcare services and disability protections where supported by clinical evidence.
“Establish that persistent Low Libido and HSDD are medical conditions capable of causing substantial psychological, emotional, relational and functional impairment, and therefore warrant legislative and policy consideration within Kenya’s health and disability framework,” the petition states in part.
The petition, which was received by the Senate Office of the Clerk on July 15, addresses an issue that has long been debated in relation to relationships and marriage and is expected to spark public discussion.
Kibore, who is also a virologist, argues that untreated sexual dysfunction can significantly lower a person's quality of life by contributing to mental health problems, emotional distress and strained relationships.
The petition further links untreated sexual dysfunction to reduced marital satisfaction, infidelity, family instability, emotional stress among children and behavioural changes within households.
According to the petitioner, cultural stigma and social taboos surrounding the conditions discourage many people from seeking professional medical care, pushing some to rely on unregulated sexual enhancement drugs instead.
In December 2025, the Ministry of Health warned about the growing misuse of erectile dysfunction medication, particularly among younger people.
Among the proposals, Kibore wants Parliament to amend the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, to include sexual dysfunctions that cause substantial and long-term interference with a person's daily life.
The petition also seeks amendments to the Social Health Insurance Act to ensure the assessment, diagnosis, counselling and treatment of the conditions are covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits package.
In addition, it urges Parliament to direct the Ministry of Health to develop national clinical guidelines for the screening, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with qualifying sexual dysfunctions.
The petitioner is also calling for increased funding for research and the development of a National Sexual Health Policy to strengthen prevention, treatment and public awareness.
Parliament is now expected to review the petition and decide whether the proposed legislative and policy reforms should move forward.
