Kenya is set to introduce a revolutionary injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, becoming one of nine African nations selected to pioneer its rollout by January 2026.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the milestone, revealing that Kenya will join Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in deploying the twice-yearly injection.
The move marks a significant advancement in HIV prevention efforts across sub-Saharan Africa.
Lenacapavir, the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) offering six months of protection per dose, was endorsed by the World Health Organisation in its updated guidelines released in July 2025.
“This milestone underscores our collective determination to expand access to effective, discreet, and sustainable prevention options across the region,” said CS Duale.
“There is an urgency for impactful and tailored solutions.”
Kenya’s national HIV prevalence currently stands at 3.7 per cent, with 1.4 million people living with HIV.
41 per cent of new infections are reported among youth under the age of 24, highlighting the need for innovative prevention strategies.
Lenacapavir offers a powerful alternative to daily oral PrEP, addressing key challenges such as adherence and stigma that have hindered uptake in vulnerable populations.
According to the Ministry of Health, an implementation plan is already in place, developed in collaboration with stakeholders through a consultative process. National guidelines for scale-up are in the final stages.
“We remain committed to ensuring equitable access, strengthening community engagement, and integrating Lenacapavir into our national policies to reach priority populations effectively,” Duale said.
“Its integration into our national HIV response strategy reaffirms our commitment to equity, innovation, and community-led health solutions.”
Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and various health partners, will coordinate the roll-out.
Health experts and advocacy groups have hailed the development as a game-changer in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly for populations facing barriers to consistent use of daily oral medication.
