Kenya Receives First 21,000 Doses of Lenacapavir as National HIV Prevention Rollout Begins

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Kenya has received an initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), marking the first phase of a nationwide rollout aimed at accelerating progress toward ending the HIV epidemic

The shipment, delivered in partnership with the Global Fund, underscores the country’s commitment to innovative and people-centred HIV prevention strategies

Health officials confirmed that an additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to support individuals initiated on the product. A further 25,000 doses, to be supplied by the United States Government, will bolster early implementation efforts and ensure continuity of care

Through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), the Ministry of Health will oversee a phased, evidence-driven rollout beginning in March 2026 across 15 high-burden counties. Two additional phases will follow, progressively expanding coverage nationwide

Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth received the consignment and reaffirmed the safety and efficacy of Lenacapavir

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The injectable was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and endorsed by the World Health Organization in July 2025. In January 2026, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board registered both oral and injectable formulations for national use

Administered twice yearly, Lenacapavir will be offered at an estimated annual cost of approximately Sh7,800 per patient, positioning it as a potentially transformative addition to Kenya’s HIV prevention toolkit