Kenya has become the first East African country to receive Lenacapavir, a long-acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug that protects HIV-negative people from contracting the virus, and needs to be administered only twice a year.
The first batch arrived on Tuesday night, marking a significant milestone in the country’s HIV prevention efforts.
Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, Lenacapavir works as an injection given every six months. It works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from taking hold in the body of someone at risk of infection. It is neither a vaccine nor a cure — it is strictly for people who do not have HIV.
Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses for an initial roll-out across 15 priority counties selected based on their HIV burden and prevalence data. These are Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, Kisii, Mombasa, Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Busia, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru.
A further 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to ensure those who start the injections are not interrupted mid-course. After the first phase, the roll-out will extend to another 15 counties, before eventually covering the remaining 17 counties nationally.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Lenacapavir will be integrated into existing health systems, including distribution through the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa). The National Aids and STI Control Programme will monitor its use, safety, and commodity management.
“Let me emphasise that this medicine is for those who are HIV negative. It must be stated clearly and emphasised that Lenacapavir is neither a vaccine nor a cure for HIV, and therefore we urge all those on treatment to continue their lifelong therapy,” Duale said.
“The medicine works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body. Its greatest advantage is that it is administered only twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose,” he added.
The CS also said the government is developing a resource mobilisation plan to support long-term national scale-up beyond the initial partner-supported phase.
Lenacapavir was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025, and later endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) through updated guidelines released in July 2025, confirming its safety and effectiveness for HIV prevention.
In January this year, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) recommended the registration of Lenacapavir 300mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464mg solution for injection, following a detailed scientific assessment in line with Kenyan laws and international regulatory standards.
The current batch has been funded by the Global Fund through a negotiated arrangement with the manufacturer, at a cost of Sh7,800 per patient per year.
Kenya is among a group of early adopter countries for the drug. Others on the list are Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
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