By John Mutiso
President William Ruto has announced that the government will roll out an innovative injectable HIV treatment from 2026 as part of its commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Through a statement read by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the World AIDS Day half-marathon in Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, November 30, President Ruto highlighted the need for stronger prevention, treatment, and youth-focused support services to end AIDS.
“We have put in place mechanisms to ensure that we acquire and roll out the latest care and treatment technologies, including injectable ART beginning next year,” read part of the statement.
While acknowledging significant progress in the fight against HIV, with 87% of people living with HIV now on treatment, the President noted that adolescents and young people remain highly affected. He also cited rising new infections and teenage pregnancies as key areas of concern.
“The government is doing its best to ensure access to antiretroviral treatment is enhanced as part of our commitment to the global target in reducing the number of HIV cases,” the statement continued.
The president said the new long-acting injectable treatment aims to improve access, adherence, and overall outcomes for people living with HIV.
“I want to assure you of the commitment of the Kenyan government to ensuring access to comprehensive prevention, care, and treatment services to all,” He stated.
Kenya was among nine countries selected by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to introduce Lenacapavir, an antiretroviral medication, as a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by January 2026.
The other eight countries are Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The President also emphasised that the Government’s focus on Universal Health Coverage will continue, including reforms to social health insurance and sustained investment in health systems.
He praised multisector partnerships led by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC). He urged continued unity in addressing the triple threat of HIV, teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence.
As Kenya joins the rest of the world in commemorating World AIDS Day on December 1, the country recorded 19,991 new cases of infections in 2025, a 19% rise compared to 2024, with the youth aged 15–34 accounting for 54% of all new cases.
Nairobi City County recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Kenya, with more than 3,000 fresh cases reported according to an official report released on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
