In Kenya Men who have sex with other Men (MSMs) remain at a higher risk of Sexually
Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV than the general population. Access to health
services among MSMs is still low despite increased efforts in fighting for their rights.These
conditions have generally been attributed to stigma, discrimination and marginalization.
However, little is known regarding MSMs’ behaviors and related underlying factors that
continue to put them at the high riskof sexual behaviours and poor health seeking behaviours.
This study aimed at i) exploring the existence of social networks ii) describing the association
between social networks and sexual behaviors iii) establishing how social networks influence
access to, and utilizing of health services among MSMs in Nairobi.The study was a quantitative
descriptive survey in which65MSMswere recruited using convenience sampling at 20 bars and
clubs in Nairobi. Experienced MSM peer educators,trained as research assistants were involved
in recruiting, interviewing and filling the questionnaires. Quantitative analysis was done using
MS Excel package.Key Findings from the studysuggest that majority of MSMsin Nairobi belong
to social networkscharacterized by socio-demographic factors such as age, sexual partnership,
tribe and schooling. It was clear that social networks can negatively influence certain sexual
behaviors such as condom use, group sex and gender based violence. On the other hand, it
appeared that social networks have positive influence onhealth seeking behaviors including what
health services to access, when, where and how frequent. The study concludes that social
networks have a key role in the overall wellbeing and health of MSMs.
It recommends the need for information and awareness among MSMsto be able to assess the
benefitsand disadvantages of specific social networks at both individual and group level thus
determine whether to belong to certain social networks or not.