Alex Mwakideu Raises Concern Over Kenyans Unaware of Their HIV Status

Media personality Alex Mwakideu has called attention to the number of people living with HIV who are still unaware of their status, stressing the importance of regular testing and knowing one’s health condition.

Speaking on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Mwakideu highlighted that while Kenya has made progress in HIV awareness and testing, a section of people continue to live without knowing whether they have the virus.

“Out of 1.48 million Kenyans living with HIV, 93 per cent of them tayari washa pimwa, na wanajua hali yao ya afya,” Mwakideu said.

He explained that the remaining percentage represents people who have not been tested and therefore do not know their HIV status. According to him, this means some individuals continue with their normal routines without being aware that they may be living with the virus.

“Lakini hii asilimia ingine iliyo salia ambayo kulingana na utafiti huu, ni kwamba mmoja kati ya watano wanaoishi na HIV hajua hali yake ya afya,” he added.

Mwakideu said this gap remains a concern because people who have not been tested may unknowingly continue activities that could put themselves or others at risk.

“Yaani hajapimwa, so hajui kama anaishi na HIV, inamaanisha nini? Anaendelea na shughuli zake za kawaida,” he explained.

Importance of Knowing Your Status

The media personality questioned why some people still avoid getting tested despite the importance of knowing their health status.

“Ndio naulizwa maswali leo, kwa nini hujui? Mbona hujui?” he said, emphasizing that testing gives individuals valuable information about their health and allows them to make informed decisions.

Mwakideu also spoke about HIV transmission, noting that unprotected sexual activity remains one of the leading ways the virus spreads.

“Ukiangalia, moja ya sababu kuu ya kuambukizwa virusi vya HIV kwa asilimia kubwa ni kupitia kufanya mapenzi bila kinga. Ndio sababu kuu,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging more people to prioritise testing and awareness, saying that knowing one’s status is an important step toward taking control of personal health.

His remarks were aimed at encouraging open conversations around HIV testing and reducing the number of people who remain unaware of their status.