MPEG is a community-led health and human rights organization – serving gay men and other men who have sex with men with lifesaving HIV treatment and prevention services, as well as other health programming such as mental health.  We operate a drop-in center that helps our community access services, as well as form a sense of solidarity and community.

 Following the U.S. administration’s foreign aid freeze in January 2025, across Kenya health services experienced significant disruptions.  Since so many programs that were heavily reliant on U.S. support were abruptly halted, with the greatest impact on the most marginalized communities–like us!  Many of us lost access to health and other social services, interrupting access to anti-retroviral treatments.  We literally lost members of our community due to this abrupt cancellation.  

However, MPEG refuses to close!  Like our beginning where we formed with our own members’ resources, we continue to keep the lights on and serve our communities.  Over the years, MPEG has created safe and inclusive spaces, reduced stigma and discrimination, expanded access to services, and established functional community clinics that serve as vital havens—particularly in our most conservative setting where equitable healthcare access remains limited.

Below are three self-reported examples of comment members 

Case 1 – Anonymous Client
“I had to borrow money and travel from Kangema (Murang’a County) to the MPEG drop-in center in Thika while experiencing severe pain, discharge, and itching, only to find the clinic closed and no providers available. I had to stay overnight with a friend and then travel another 50 kilometers to Nairobi the next day to access limited care at a remotely operating community clinic. It was horrible, as i experienced intense shame, pain, and stigma, including being required to disinfect bedding due to my condition; as well as now being in debt to several others.”

Case 2 – Anonymous Client
“I desperatelyneeded treatment for anal warts and a refill on my HIV anti-retroviral therapy (ART).  With the MPEG clinic closed, I had to go to a government-run facility near MPEG in Kiambu. It was so difficult as I was publicly humiliated by a nurse, who denied services and made stigmatizing remarks about the loss of “privileges” previously provided by community programs. I felt embarrassed, dehumanized, and ashamed; and still have this issue of anal warts and no ARVs!”

Case 3 – Anonymous Client
“I was verbally harassed by strangers while returning to my dorm room after church.  I heard some men start calling me names, with the situation escalating into a mob-like threat involving some motorbike riders. I tried to run away, but two of the harassers dragged me toward a thicket and made threatening, sexually violent remarks and warned me to relocate out that areas soonest to avoid recruiting young men into homosexuality. Because the program no longer exists, I could not contact the MPEG safety and security peer educator team.  I fled my home in fear and stayed with friends.  It’s been so difficult, as I’m constantly fearful, feel hopeless, and have nowhere to report such incidents due to fear of further humiliation by police and other government authorities.”

Case 4 – Anonymous Client

A long-term HIV-positive client with severe anal warts required urgent surgery after the closure of an MPEG-supported community clinic in Murang’a County. Unable to afford private care, MPEG staff mobilized internal resources to subsidize the procedure. During recovery, the client was temporarily hosted by an MPEG staff member with a wife and family, who provided safe accommodation. However, while physically supported, the client reported emotional distress due to discomfort and perceived stigma in the household.

These cases highlight the critical role that community-led organizations like MPEG continue to play in bridging healthcare gaps for the most marginalized populations, especially when external funding constraints limit access to essential and affirming medical services.

We estimate we need to raise $20,000 to cover bare expenses for the next year.  Can you help us!  From the MPEG family–a small or large donation during this holiday period can save us the embarrassment of accessing health services, walking long distances, reduce stigma and discrimination, protect lives and retain our clinical staff and operational costs.”

Wipe our tears, stand with MPEG as we resource

“The board of directors retains discretion over the use of funds.”

Photo #1: Conducting Grassroots HIV outreaches in the rural areas.

Photo #2: Security training for members

Photo #3: MPEG Safe Space