Kenya is preparing to introduce Lenacapavir a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection that will expand options for people seeking protection from HIV without taking daily pills in January 2026.
Lenacapavir will complement the existing range of prevention tools, including daily oral PrEP, and does not replace pills, as many people may still prefer or benefit from oral PrEP.
This development was highlighted during a Media Science Café held in Nairobi on Thursday last week, where government officials, county health teams, youth advocates and journalists discussed the upcoming rollout and what communities should expect.
Lenacapavir, often referred to as LEN, is a long-acting HIV prevention method administered twice a year by a qualified health practitioner.
“One injection provides six months of protection by preventing the HIV virus from entering and multiplying in the body. It is not a vaccine or cure, but an additional prevention option alongside oral PrEP and condoms. This injection gives people more choice, especially those who struggle with daily PrEP pills,” said Dr. Jonah Onentiah, Head of Prevention at National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCOP).
He added that the first phase of the rollout will begin in January 2026 across 10 priority counties: Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kajiado, Busia, Machakos, Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisii.
Kenya is among the first African countries preparing to offer Lenacapavir. Health-worker training, commodity planning and digital monitoring systems are already being strengthened to support the rollout.
Scientific data presented during the café showed strong protection from LEN in clinical trials. One study recorded zero HIV infections among cisgender women receiving twice-yearly injections, while another reported a 96 per cent reduction in HIV incidence among men, transgender individuals and non-binary people. Researchers noted that the long-acting option may benefit people who face stigma or challenges with daily adherence.
County health officials reported that preparations are underway but vary across regions.
“We are looking forward to this new prevention option. Counties are preparing, but the level of readiness is not uniform,” said Dr. Jean Abuya, Focal Person for Children and Adolescents Living with HIV (CALHIV-FP) and Sub-County Pharmacist for Kajiado West.
“We must address stigma, misinformation and the misconception that Lenacapavir will replace other prevention tools. Accurate reporting will help the public understand what is ready and what still requires attention,” Dr Abuya added.
Youth perspectives also featured strongly. HIV Prevention Youth Advocate Josephine Achieng noted that young people want clear information before making decisions.
“Young people are asking for straightforward explanations about how the injection works and where it will be available,” she said adding: “Many welcome Lenacapavir because it is private and convenient, but information gaps, mistrust and parental consent remain challenges.”
According to Achieng, there is a need for communities to be involved in the rollout. She called for open communication, confidential and youth-friendly services, and assurance that the programme will continue beyond donor support.
The media café also underscored the role of the media in delivering balanced, factual reporting. Journalists were encouraged to avoid sensationalism, clarify that LEN is one of several HIV prevention choices, verify timelines and highlight both progress and gaps as the rollout approaches.
NASCOP outlined key implementation priorities, including securing a stable supply of LEN and injection materials, strengthening pharmacovigilance through PPB’s digital reporting systems, and integrating LEN data into electronic medical records.
As Kenya moves toward the planned January 2026 rollout, participants expressed cautious optimism. They agreed that with well-informed communities, prepared health facilities and consistent communication, Lenacapavir could broaden HIV prevention options and support national efforts to reduce new HIV infections by 2027.
By Violet Otindo
