Experiences of Young Women Living in Kibra, Kenya, on HIV Risk and Sexual Violence: A Descriptive Study

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya had seen a significant decline in new HIV infections among most age groups except for young people aged 15–24 years. Young women residing in urban areas are significantly affected by gender-based violence. Guided by the theory of gender and power and postcolonial theory, our descriptive qualitative study sought to understand young women’s experiences with HIV risk and the impact of sexual violence before the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted individual and focus group interviews with 73 young women residing in Kibra, Kenya. Using thematic analysis, interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. We identified six themes: financial insecurity, drug use, peer pressure, fear of condom use, physical environment, and disco matanga traditions. Findings revealed structural factors such as poverty and gender norms affect young women. Strategies for HIV risk prevention focused on young women in Kenya should include efforts for protecting young women from sexual violence.