Kenya is to launch a gay census as part of its fight against HIV and Aids, despite homosexuality being illegal there.
The survey, which will begin in June 2010, is believed to be the first of its kind in Africa.
However, as being openly gay in Kenya is punishable by up to 14 years in jail, the country’s gay population will likely be reluctant to take part experts warn.
But many have welcomed the news. Head of Kenya’s Aids prevention programme Nascop Nicholas Muraguri told the BBC: "This group must be reached with information and services so they know how to protect themselves from getting infected."
Gay rights activist Peter Njane has also pledged his support to the move, telling the BBC: "Most of the gay community think that having sex with men is safe. There's no information here about safety measures.”
Kenya has already made commendable progress in its fight against HIV and Aids in the last decade. The country’s infection rate has fallen from 10% in the late 90s to 6% in 2009.