Kenya officially announced the introduction of a groundbreaking long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against new infections.
The Ministry of Health said the new Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option will provide HIV-negative individuals with six months of protection per dose, offering an alternative to daily prevention pills.
Kenya currently has an HIV prevalence of about 3.7 per cent, with approximately 1.34 million people on antiretroviral treatment.
Of growing concern, 41 per cent of new HIV infections occur among young people below the age of 24.
The cargo with the drug arrived at the JKIA on Tuesday night.
Director general of medical services Dr Patrick Amoth said the introduction of Lenacapavir demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to innovative, people-centred solutions aimed at protecting those most at risk.
“This is a major step forward in expanding HIV prevention options in Kenya. We are committed to ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in our journey to end HIV as a public health threat,” he said.
Among First Countries Selected
In July 2025, Kenya was selected among the first nine countries globally to introduce Lenacapavir, alongside Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Kenya is the first country in East Africa to roll out the injectable PrEP, reflecting what officials described as strong leadership and readiness to adopt modern prevention tools.
How the Drug Works
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medication administered twice a year. It works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body.
Health officials emphasized that the drug is strictly for individuals who are HIV negative. It is neither a vaccine nor a cure for HIV, and people living with HIV are urged to continue their lifelong antiretroviral therapy.
The drug received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025 and was later endorsed in updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in July 2025.
In January 2026, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board approved the registration of Lenacapavir 300mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464mg injectable solution following a detailed scientific assessment.
Supply and Cost
The initial supply has been funded through the Global Fund under a negotiated access arrangement at a cost of Sh7,800 per patient per year.
Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses for the initial rollout, with an additional 12,000 continuation doses expected by April. The United States Government has also committed to supporting Kenya with a further 25,000 doses to expand access.
Phased Roll-Out
The Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), will implement the rollout in phases guided by national HIV data and county readiness.
The first phase, beginning in early March, will cover 15 counties: Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kiambu.
Two additional phases will expand access to the remaining counties to ensure nationwide coverage.
Officials said Lenacapavir will be integrated into existing public health systems, including KEMSA distribution channels, with strengthened monitoring systems to track safety, usage and commodity management.
The government is also developing a long-term resource mobilization plan to sustain national scale-up beyond the initial partner-supported phase.
With young people accounting for nearly half of new infections, health officials expressed optimism that the twice-yearly injectable option could significantly reduce new HIV cases and accelerate Kenya’s progress toward ending the epidemic.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
