By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya has received an initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses of the long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir.
According to the Ministry of Health, theconsignment marks the first phase of the national rollout and reinforcing the country’s commitment to innovative, people-centred approaches to ending the HIV epidemic.
The shipment, delivered in partnership with the Global Fund, represents the first phase of the national rollout and positions Kenya among the leading African countries preparing to introduce next-generation HIV prevention technologies.
A further 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to support individuals initiated on the product, while an additional 25,000 doses from the United States Government will bolster early implementation efforts.
Through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), the Ministry of Health will oversee a phased, evidence-driven rollout guided by epidemiological data and health-system readiness.
Phase One, set to commence in March 2026, will focus on 15 high-burden counties. Two subsequent phases will progressively expand coverage nationwide, ensuring service preparedness, reliable commodity supply and sustainable scale-up.
Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, who received the consignment, reaffirmed the safety and efficacy of Lenacapavir.
The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and later endorsed by the World Health Organization in July 2025 within global guidelines on long-acting HIV prevention.
In January 2026, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board completed a comprehensive scientific review and registered both the oral and injectable formulations for national use.
Administered twice annually, Lenacapavir offers a groundbreaking alternative to daily oral PrEP.
The drug is expected to be provided at an estimated annual cost of approximately Ksh 7,800 per patient a dramatic reduction from its previous price of about USD 42,000 significantly improving affordability and access.
The initiative reinforces Kenya’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage by strengthening HIV prevention efforts, including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and advancing the national goal of ensuring that every child is born and remains HIV-free.
The consignment was received in the presence of US Embassy–Kenya representative Brian Rettman and Dr. Ahmed Omar from Intergovernmental Relations, underscoring the strong partnerships supporting Kenya’s HIV response.