Kenya has received an initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses of the long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir, marking the first phase of a national rollout and reinforcing the country’s commitment to innovative, people-centred strategies to end the HIV epidemic.
Delivered in partnership with the Global Fund, the shipment represents a major milestone in expanding access to next-generation HIV prevention technologies, as several African countries prepare to introduce the intervention.
An additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to support individuals initiated on the product, while a further 25,000 doses from the United States Government will bolster early implementation and scale-up 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 begin in March 2026, will target 15 high-burden counties. Two subsequent phases will progressively expand coverage nationwide, ensuring facility preparedness, adequate commodity supply and sustainable integration into routine HIV prevention services.
Director General for Health Patrick Amoth, who received the consignment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, reaffirmed the product’s safety and regulatory approval status. He noted that Lenacapavir was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and 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,” Dr Amoth said.
Administered twice a year, Lenacapavir offers a convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP. The annual cost is estimated at approximately Sh7,800 per patient, a substantial reduction from the previous price of about USD 42,000 (approximately Sh5.4 million), significantly improving affordability and access.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda by strengthening HIV prevention efforts, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and advancing the national goal of ensuring 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 continued collaboration between Kenya and its development partners in combating HIV.
By Michael Omondi
