There is consensus that HIV and AIDS is a serious threat to the global and national developmental goals. In the education sector, the pandemic depletes financial and human resources meant for educational development. The Education Sector Policy on HIV and AIDS, 2004 and its subsequent implementation has raised issues and concerns that need to be addressed. The concerns include the unique needs of learners living with HIV and AIDS and the need for age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education to enable learners make informed decisions. The Ministry of Education, Science & Technology has therefore, revised the Education Sector Policy on HIV and AIDS in response to these emerging issues.

The Revised policy has been aligned to international commitments such as Education for All (EFA), the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and national legal and policy documents including Kenya Vision 2030, the Constitution of Kenya,2010 and Sessional Paper No. 14 of 2012 on Reforming Education and Training Sectors. The policy also takes into consideration the requirements of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2006, National AIDS Control Council, Act 2006, Teachers Service Commission, Act, 2012 and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act No. 4 of 2013.

The Education Sector is committed to ensuring that the HIV and AIDS policy guides the development and implementation of interventions for promotion of positive behavior among learner and education personnel. The Ministry of Education, Science & Technology (MoEST) in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) undertook a survey on the impact of HIV and AIDS on the Education Sector in 2011. The study revealed that the pandemic affects access, retention, transition and completion of schooling. The quality of education is also, likely to be compromised if the growing needs of learners living with HIV are not addressed.

The Education Sector Policy on HIV and AIDS, 2013 provides a framework for prevention, treatment, care and support as well as the management of response within the education sector at all levels. The policy also proposes a strengthened coordination mechanism to improve implementation of HIV and AIDS programmes by various stakeholders.