Kenya received its first consignment of 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, on Tuesday night, February 17, 2026.
Kenya is the first East African nation to receive the drug, which is a long-acting form of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Unlike daily oral pills, Lenacapavir is administered as an injection every six months, providing a “preventative shield” for HIV-negative individuals at high risk.
High-priority groups, including adolescent girls, young women, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Implementation begins in early March 2026.
Initial Coverage in 15 high-burden counties have been selected for the first phase: Lakeside: Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori.Urban & Others: Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Busia, Kilifi, Kakamega, Kisii, and Uasin Gishu.
In each county, 10 facilities—including referral hospitals and youth-friendly clinics—will provide the service.
Through negotiations with the Global Fund, the annual cost per patient has been reduced from approximately $42,000 to about KSh 7,800 (roughly KSh 3,900 to KSh 6,000 per shot).
An additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected in April 2026, followed by a further 25,000 doses donated by the US Department of State between August and September.
The National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) will oversee the distribution and clinical training. Health officials emphasize that Lenacapavir is neither a vaccine nor a cure and does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
