KENYA: Prison term for wilful HIV infection proposed

JOHANNESBURG, 12 June 2006 (PlusNews) - If a proposed law is passed by Kenya's parliament, people who knowingly infect others with HIV will be jailed for at least seven years, a local newspaper, The Nation, has reported.

Anyone convicted of the offence will also be liable to a fine of up to US$6,000, according to the draft 'HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Bill' tabled for debate by Health Minister Charity Ngilu.

The proposed law bars mandatory HIV tests for purposes of employment, marriage, admission to educational institutions or entry into the country, but a person charged with a sexual offence would be compelled to undergo a test.

The Bill also aims to prevent clinics from offering over-the-counter HIV testing kits for use at home, despite some members of parliament supporting their continued availability to the public.