Response of sexual behaviour and desired family size to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenya

A reduction in multiple partnerships and a decline in recent sexual activity in Kenya has been documented (Westoff and Cross 2006). Although this will have a positive bearing on both the HIV/AIDS programme and fertility decline in Kenya, evidence for it is based on survey data rather than individuals' reported experience over time. Further, recent increase in childhood deaths and a decline in life expectancy in Kenya, both of which have to some extent been attributed to HIV/AIDS, have generated debate about the effects of AIDS on desired fertility. This paper addresses two questions: (1) has fear of being infected with HIV led to a change in peoples' sexual behaviour? and (2) do couples want more children in response to the potential effects of AIDS? It reports a study carried out in Nyeri, Nairobi and Bungoma districts. Data were collected using focus group discussions with married women and in-depth interviews with opinion leaders and were analysed using NVivo. The findings indicate that unsafe sex is prevalent. Condoms are rarely used and in some areas wives disapprove of condom use. Due to low income, some sexual activity takes place in sugar cane plantations. The results show, therefore, that the increased prevalence of HIV/AIDS has not induced major change in sexual behaviour. Couples do not seem to have increased their desired fertility in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The implications of the findings for HIV/AIDS campaigns in Kenya are discussed.