Kibabii University joined the world in celebrating International Condom Day 2025. The annual celebration which is always marked on the 13th of February is a day that celebrates initiatives put in place by governments and non-governmental institutions around the world in the fight against HIV and Aids. Among the institutions that joined the celebration at Kibabii University were Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH), National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC-Bungoma), and Girl Power. Activities of the day included, Peer Education, Condom-Use Demonstrations, Relationship & Dating, Mental Health Talks and Fun Activities.
In his address during the opening ceremony the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Finance & Development Prof. Joshua Abuya thanked the organizers and partners for preparing for this important global event. He encouraged students to play safe and use condoms wisely. According to the Ag. DVC (AFD) the Condom represents something greater; it represents love, respect and care for one another. He thanked the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), the Epidemic and Disaster Management (EPDM) Department, Counselling Department in the Office of the Dean of Students, for successfully organizing the event.
The Director Institute of Gender and Development Studies Dr. Rispah Wepukhulu requested students to be open and report any cases of gender-based violence regardless of their gender since speaking will help in eradicating this problem. She also encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the sexual harassment policy that is readily available on the University website. On his part, the Coordinator EPDM under which the Aids Control Unit operates Dr. Festus Kelonye thanked all participants for availing themselves for this important function and emphasized on ABC – Abstinence, Being Faithful and Condom Use. He urged the peer educators to be at the forefront in spreading this message to their colleagues as this will encourage more students to be receptive and feel free to disclose challenges they are facing. On her part, the University Students Counselor Ms. Jackline Kithinji expressed her joy at the positive reception the message of safe sexual practices has been receiving in Kibabii University. This has been evident by the data of condom usage and the interest the student community has in programmes and events that relate to the fight against HIV and Aids. She encouraged students to always visit the Counselling Department whenever they have any challenges in their stay in the University.
The biggest conversation that came up from all the speakers and participants was the way forward on the issue on condom shortage and it was unanimously agreed that everyone had the responsibility of taking care of their health therefore it was important for personal responsibility.
The event managed to attract over 1,200 participants with over 34,000 pieces of condoms distributed in the University community. The success of this event was as a result of the dedication and resilience of the 10 change makers and the over 20 peer educators under the leadership of Ms. Kithinji who covered every inch of the University and ensured their colleagues came out and participated in this celebration.
