How Gen Zs are redefining the HIV conversation in Kenya

For the longest time, HIV in Kenya has been shrouded in stigma, fear, and a deafening silence. It was the conversation no one dared to have, until now. In today’s Kenya, a bold new voice has emerged. Gen Zs are stepping in and rewriting the script. They're talking about HIV with unflinching honesty, living openly, loving fearlessly, and pushing prevention into the spotlight. What was once whispered is now shouted - raw, real, and unapologetically loud.

“I was diagnosed with HIV when I was 22,” says Nikita, a content creator and campus student in Nairobi, adding: “I decided to post it on TikTok and share my journey with others, not because I wanted sympathy or pity from people, but because I didn’t want anyone else in the same situation to feel alone and scared as I did.”

A growing number of young people today are more aware and informed than ever before, thanks to easy access to online resources. Campaigns like ‘Beyond Zero’ and ‘Chukua Selfie’ are tapping into digital platforms to meet the youth where they are - on their screens, in their spaces, and on their terms.

James, a 25-year-old peer educator in Dandora, says; “We visit various schools and talk about testing, PrEP, and condoms. But we also do it on platforms like Instagram because youth listen more when its coming from someone in the same age bracket as them.”

Unlike older generations who often hid their status for fear of societal stigma, many young people today are living openly with HIV, confronting shame head-on and reshaping the narrative within their communities.

Jay, 28, was born with HIV; he now runs a YouTube channel as well as other online platforms where he talks about relationships and dating with the virus.

“I started my online platforms so that I can show people that you can love, have fun, and live your life fully with HIV without being scared of anyone judging or mocking you,” he says; “We’re not helpless victims, we’re powerful.”

Marion, a 24-year-old advocate and public speaker also shared her reason for choosing to publicly disclose her condition and empower other young people going through the same.

“When I first discovered I had contracted HIV, I was devastated and wanted to end my life because I was afraid people would see me differently. But I joined a support group around where I was living and started speaking out. Now, I talk to high school students and post my journey on Instagram to help other people who are also going through the same,” she says.

26-year-old Christine, on her part, notes: “My boyfriend died from HIV. I went for a routine checkup soon afterwards and tested positive. No one ever told me that HIV could happen to me. I later on joined a support group at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and now I’m creating awareness with a group of women where we talk about everything from the meds to dating and rejection.”

Young people are changing what it means to talk about HIV.  No longer hidden in whispers or wrapped in shame, the conversation is being pulled into the light — through lived experiences and fearless storytelling. They’re not just surviving with it; they’re thriving, and in doing so, they’re lighting the path for a new generation to speak boldly, live fully, and fear nothing.