A Kenyan has petitioned Parliament to amend the law to recognize clinically diagnosed low libido in men and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women as disabilities, arguing that the conditions have serious effects on health, marriages, and family life.
A low libido (low sex drive) means you feel less interest in sex. HSDD is the absence of sexual fantasies and thoughts, and/or desire for or receptivity to, sexual activity that causes the personal distress or difficulties in her relationship.
The petition, filed by Dr Benson Kibere, was received by the Clerks of the National Assembly and the Senate on Tuesday, July 15.
Kibere wants Parliament to amend the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, and the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, to allow people diagnosed with the conditions to access disability protections and treatment under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“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 reads in part.
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Kenyan Petitions Parliament to Recognize Low Libido, Female Sexual Disorder as Disabilities
According to the petition, persistent low libido and HSDD can cause substantial psychological, emotional and functional impairment and should be considered within Kenya’s disability and healthcare framework.
He also wants Parliament to recommend the issuance of disability cards to people clinically diagnosed with low libido where they meet the legal threshold after medical assessment.
In addition, the petition seeks to have assessment, diagnosis, counselling and treatment of clinically recognized sexual dysfunctions included in SHA’s benefits package.
Kibere argues that sexual dysfunction should be treated as a public health issue rather than a private matter.
He says untreated sexual dysfunction can affect relationships and family stability.
“Sexuality is a significant quality of life determinant for all human beings,” the petition states.
“Low libido creates new lows within families… This is a precursor of family breakdown, infidelity and irretrievable breakdown of marriages.”
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The petitioner further argues that existing laws do not adequately protect people living with the conditions.
“The failure to classify Low Libido and HSDD as a disability and the lack of recognition as a fundamental disability problem in SHA Act 2023 and SHA Regulations 2024 offends the right to access healthcare and continues to cause family disunity,” the petition states.
Why the Petition was Filed
In support of the proposals, Kibere cites studies showing that sexual dysfunction is increasingly affecting younger people.
He refers to a 2026 community-based study that found 10.4 per cent of young people in Nairobi experienced erectile dysfunction, arguing that the condition is no longer associated only with older men.
At the same time, he cited a Ministry of Health (MoH) alert issued on December 22, 2025, which cautioned against the misuse and illegal sale of sildenafil, popularly known as Viagra.
This followed reports linking improper use to strokes, heart attacks and sudden deaths.
Kibere says many people living with erectile dysfunction do not seek treatment because of stigma and limited access to specialized care.
“Research shows that a large proportion of men who experience erectile dysfunction (ED) do not seek treatment because they are too embarrassed or because access to urologists is not covered by most insurance schemes like SHA,” the petition states.
According to the petition, untreated sexual dysfunction can contribute to psychological distress, relationship conflict, infertility, marital breakdown and mental health challenges.
What Parliament is Being Asked to Do
The petitioner wants Parliament to amend the Persons with Disabilities Act to recognize clinically diagnosed sexual disabilities that substantially and permanently affect a person’s ordinary daily functioning.
This is subject to medical evidence and clinical assessment.
It also seeks amendments to the Social Health Insurance Act to include medically indicated assessment, diagnosis, counselling and treatment of low libido, HSDD and other qualifying sexual dysfunctions under SHA.
Other proposals include the development of national clinical guidelines for screening and treatment, establishment of confidential counselling services for affected couples and families.
The petition also seeks nationwide public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, increased research into sexual health disorders and funding for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
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