- Kenya has taken delivery of 21,000 starter doses of the HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir.
- The rollout will begin in March 2026, starting with 15 high-burden counties.
- More doses are expected from the Global Fund and the United States Government.
- The drug is taken twice a year and is expected to improve adherence.
Kenya has moved closer to expanding HIV prevention services after receiving its first batch of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug used to prevent HIV infection.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that 21,000 starter doses have already arrived in the country. The supply was secured in partnership with the Global Fund and marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout planned for March 2026.
Health officials described the delivery as a significant boost to the country’s fight against HIV, saying it introduces a new and more convenient prevention option.
Authorities have also confirmed that more doses will soon be delivered to support the early phase of implementation. About 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April for individuals who will begin treatment under the initial rollout.
In addition, another 25,000 doses will be provided by the United States Government to strengthen the program during its early stages.
The rollout will be coordinated through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP).
According to the Ministry, distribution will follow a phased plan guided by HIV data and the readiness of health facilities. The first phase will focus on 15 counties with the highest HIV burden. Two more phases will follow to gradually extend access across the country while ensuring proper service delivery and steady supply.
Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth received the shipment and assured the public that the drug is safe and effective.
Lenacapavir received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2025. It was later endorsed by the World Health Organisation in July 2025 under global guidelines for long-acting HIV prevention.
In January 2026, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board completed its scientific review and registered both the oral and injectable versions of the drug for use in the country.
Unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir is administered just twice a year. Health experts believe this will help improve adherence, especially among individuals who struggle to take medication every day.
The cost of the drug has also dropped sharply. It will now be available at an estimated annual cost of about Sh7,800 per patient. Previously, the price stood at around $42,000 per year, making it inaccessible for many countries.
The introduction of Lenacapavir aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda. Officials say the program will strengthen prevention services, including efforts to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The broader goal remains clear: ensuring every child is born free of HIV and remains uninfected throughout life.
The consignment was received in the presence of U.S. Embassy-Kenya representative Brian Rettman and Dr Ahmed Omar from Intergovernmental Relations, signalling strong international cooperation in the fight against HIV.
