NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has received its first shipment of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention medicine, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to curb new infections and expand prevention options.
The initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses arrived in Nairobi on February 17, 2026 through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund.
The government says the rollout of the twice-a-year injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will begin in early March 2026, initially targeting 15 high-burden counties.
Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the injectable drug works by targeting key stages of the HIV lifecycle, helping prevent the virus from establishing infection.
Lenacapavir is designed to be administered twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose — a convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP that could improve adherence among those at substantial risk.
Dr Amoth noted that Kenya expects an additional 12,000 continuation doses by April, and a further 25,000 doses supported by the United States Government will strengthen ongoing implementation efforts.
The Ministry of Health emphasised that Lenacapavir is not a vaccine or cure for HIV; rather, it is a prevention tool for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of exposure.
Those already living with HIV are advised to continue their lifelong treatment regimens.
Lenacapavir has been approved internationally, including by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and endorsed in updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, following regulatory review of its safety and effectiveness.
Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board registered both oral and injectable formulations in January 2026 after a comprehensive scientific assessment.
The first phase of implementation will cover counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and others, focusing on areas with high HIV prevalence.
Health officials say the phased approach will expand access over time as part of the broader national HIV prevention strategy.
Kenya’s move to introduce Lenacapavir places it among the first countries in East Africa to adopt this next-generation HIV prevention option, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce new infections and strengthen public health outcomes.
