Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir, marking a significant step in the country’s HIV prevention strategy as the Ministry of Health moves to introduce the long-acting injectable medicine.
In a statement issued on February 17, 2026, the Ministry of Health said the doses will support the initial roll-out of the new HIV prevention option in selected counties.
The ministry described the intervention as part of Kenya’s continued efforts to curb new infections, particularly among populations most at risk.
The ministry noted that Kenya currently has an HIV prevalence of about 3.7 per cent, with approximately 1.34 million people on anti-retroviral treatment. It highlighted a worrying trend in new infections.
“Of particular concern is the fact that 41 per cent of new HIV infections occur among young people below the age of 24 years,” the ministry said, underscoring what it termed as the urgent need for novel prevention strategies.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable HIV prevention option known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP. The Ministry of Health emphasised that the medicine is intended for people who are HIV negative.
“Let me emphasise that this medicine is for those who are HIV negative,” the statement read.
The ministry was categorical about the role of the drug, seeking to address potential misconceptions.
“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.”
According to the ministry, Lenacapavir works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body. One of its key advantages is its dosing schedule.
“Its greatest advantage is that it is administered only twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose,” the ministry said.
Kenya was selected among the first nine countries to introduce Lenacapavir in July 2025. The ministry said Kenya’s inclusion, as the first country in East Africa, reflects its readiness to adopt modern prevention tools.
The medicine was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and later endorsed in updated World Health Organisation guidelines released in July 2025.
The Ministry of Health said this confirmed its safety and effectiveness for HIV prevention.
Locally, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board recommended the registration of Lenacapavir 300mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464mg solution for injection in January 2026, following what the ministry described as a detailed scientific assessment.
The ministry said the initial supply was made possible through partner support. The current batch has been funded through the Global Fund under a negotiated arrangement with the manufacturer.
Beyond the 21,000 starter doses, the Ministry of Health said Kenya expects an additional 12,000 continuation doses by April. It added that the United States Government has committed to providing Kenya with an additional 25,000 doses.
Implementation of Lenacapavir will follow a phased approach led by the National AIDS and STI Control Programme. The ministry said the roll-out is guided by national HIV data, county readiness, and the Kenya PrEP Operational Plan 2025.
“The first phase of implementation will begin in early March,” the ministry said.
The initial roll-out will cover 15 counties. These are Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kiambu.
The Ministry of Health assured the public that Lenacapavir will be integrated into existing health systems, including KEMSA distribution channels. It also said monitoring tools have been strengthened to track use, safety, and commodity management as Kenya prepares for nationwide access over time.
