Economic Constraints Facing People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in Income Generating Activities (IGAs) in Nyando and Nyakach Sub –Counties

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to cause premature deaths among adults, particularly those in their most economically productive years. This has significantly affected the social and economic development of affected communities, leaving behind dependents, increasing the number of orphaned children, and placing a heavy caregiving burden on families. Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) have become an important strategy for empowering households affected by HIV and AIDS to meet basic needs and support dependents. The specific objectives was to establish the economic constraints respondents for income generating activities (IGAs) on livelihood of people living with HIV/AIDS in Kisumu County, Kenya.1T4 his study adopted a survey research design combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A pilot study was conducted in Homa Bay County due to its similarity to Kisumu in terms of HIV prevalence and cultural factors. The target population was 3,1508people living with HIV and AIDS participating in three Income-Generating Activities, with a sample size of 339 planned. However, the study reached 287 respondents drawn from Nyando and Nyakach sub-counties in Kisumu County. The data was collected through interview schedules, checklists, and document analysis; and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. The findings revealed that most Income-Generating Activities were home-based and included farming, mat making, poultry keeping, basket weaving, small-scale trading, table banking, and merry-go-round savings. Member contributions were the most common source of funding (31.3%), followed by loans (26.7%). The study also identified financial limitations, poor infrastructure, limited training, and inadequate market access as major constraints. While 57.7% of respondents agreed that both men and women managed their group activities regardless of socio-cultural limitations, 42.3% disagreed, citing traditional norms. Furthermore, 53.9% reported equal participation in management, while 46.1% did not. The study concludes that Income-Generating Activities significantly improve the livelihood of people living with HIV and AIDS by enabling them to meet daily needs, access medical care, and educate their children. They also promote self-reliance and social inclusion. The study recommends improved training, increased policy support, gender- sensitive management, and better access to external funding to enhance sustainability. The findings are of importance to policymakers, health workers, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, and community mobilizers working to uplift the welfare of people4a1 infected by HIV and AIDS. The study recommended further training for IGAs members on financial management and modern methods of faming.