Kenya Becomes First East African Country to Receive Revolutionary Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injection
Nairobi, 18 February 2026
Kenya has made history by receiving 21,000 doses of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection that requires only two doses per year. The medication, which arrived on 17 February 2026, represents a dramatic shift from daily oral pills to a six-monthly injection, potentially transforming HIV prevention strategies across the region.
How the Revolutionary Drug Works
Lenacapavir operates by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body [1]. Unlike traditional daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, this injectable medication provides six months of protection per dose, requiring only two administrations per year [1][2]. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasised that “this medicine is for those who are HIV negative” and clarified that “Lenacapavir is neither a vaccine nor a cure for HIV” [1]. The drug received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration in June 2025, followed by World Health Organisation endorsement in July 2025 [1][2].
Rollout Timeline and Priority Counties
The initial rollout will commence in early March 2026 across 15 priority counties: Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kiambu [2]. Kenya expects to receive 12,000 continuation doses by April 2026, with the United States government committed to supporting Kenya with an additional 25,000 doses [2]. The distribution strategy will unfold in phases: a second phase covering another 15 counties, followed by a third phase encompassing the remaining 17 counties [2]. Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board recommended registration of Lenacapavir 300mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464mg solution for injection in January 2026 [1].
Addressing Kenya’s HIV Challenge
The arrival of Lenacapavir addresses a critical public health challenge in Kenya, where HIV prevalence stands at 3.7 per cent [2]. Currently, 1.34 million people receive antiretroviral therapy, yet 41 per cent of new HIV infections occur among young people below 24 years [2]. Dr Patrick Amoth, Director General for Medical Services, stated that authorities will not prioritise particular groups to avoid “isolating the product for a particular group of people and therefore deny access to other people who would actually qualify” [2]. This inclusive approach aims to maximise the drug’s preventive impact across vulnerable populations.
Cost and Global Access Initiative
The Global Fund has funded the current batch at a cost of Sh7,800 per patient per year, representing a dramatic reduction from the original annual price of approximately $42,000 [1][2]. Brian Rettman, Chief Program Officer at the American Embassy, described Lenacapavir as “a very instrumental piece in providing HIV prevention in the country”, noting that “it’s an injection someone takes two times a year and receives full protection, just like the daily pills previously taken” [2]. Kenya joins eight other African countries as early adopters: Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe [1]. The Kenyan government is developing a resource mobilisation plan to support long-term national scale-up of the programme [1].