NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya will begin rolling out Lenacapavir (LEN) — a long-acting HIV prevention injection — in February 2026, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced.
The new drug will be introduced in 15 counties selected based on their high HIV prevalence and disease burden.
The initial rollout aims to target populations at high risk of infection and improve access to effective prevention options.
Counties Selected for Initial Rollout
The first phase will include:
- Siaya
- Homa Bay
- Migori
- Kisumu
- Kisii
- Mombasa
- Nairobi
- Machakos
- Kajiado
- Busia
- Kiambu
- Kilifi
- Kakamega
- Uasin Gishu
- Nakuru
What is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered twice a year.
It is intended for adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kilograms and is designed to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV.
Developed over two decades by Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025, and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in July 2025 during the International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali.
WHO has described the medicine as a highly effective, long-lasting alternative to daily oral PrEP.
Why Kenya is Adopting Lenacapavir
Kenya’s HIV prevention strategy has long relied on daily oral PrEP. However, the MoH says daily adherence, stigma, and limited access to healthcare have hindered uptake among high-risk groups.
Lenacapavir is expected to overcome these challenges by offering a less frequent dosing schedule, making prevention easier for vulnerable communities.
Kenya Among First African Early Adopters
Kenya was among the first countries selected by the Global Fund as an early adopter of Lenacapavir.
The drug is also being introduced in other African countries, including Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Currently, Kenya, Eswatini, South Africa, and Zambia are among the only African countries that have approved Lenacapavir for HIV prevention.
Doses and Distribution Plan
Dr Andrew Mulwa, CEO of the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), said Kenya will receive 20,000 doses in February 2026, followed by 13,500 doses in April.
A further 25,000 doses, donated by the US Department of State, are expected between August and September 2026.
Certain high-risk groups, including members of the disciplined forces, the National Youth Service, and prison populations, will also receive 4,500 doses of CAB-LA and 5,500 doses of Lenacapavir.
Phased Rollout to Track Acceptance
The phased rollout aims not only to increase access but also to collect data on acceptability and effectiveness of the long-acting injectable PrEP in Kenya.
Health officials hope the new approach will significantly reduce new HIV infections, particularly among high-risk communities where daily PrEP uptake has been low.
, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, in 15 high-burden counties starting February 2026.){kind=link}