A revolutionary new HIV prevention drug is coming to Kenya and it’s expected to change lives.
Starting January 2026, Kenyans will have access to Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug that protects against HIV for six months per dose. At approximately Sh6,000 per injection, it offers a more convenient and less expensive alternative to daily oral PrEP pills
“This is a huge HIV prevention breakthrough,” Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Head of Kenya’s National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NASCOP), told NTV Kenya in an interview“It offers hope for people who struggle with the burden of taking daily pills.”
Lenacapavir is not a cure and it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but for many, it represents a more discreet and sustainable way to stay protected from HIV.
Backed by WHO and Global Health Partners
In July, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially sanctioned Lenacapavir as a viable HIV prevention measure. The medication requires only two injections a year, and it is most attractive to those with social stigma or challenges in adhering to daily medication schedules.
“This should be included in every country’s HIV prevention toolkit,” WHO said, urging that it be offered along with condoms and once-a-day oral PrEP.
Kenya home to 1.4 million people living with HIV and ranked seventh globally in HIV burden was selected as one of nine African countries to begin rolling out LenacapavirOthers include Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, and Eswatini.
Reaching Those Most at Risk
Global health organizations like the Global Fund, Tiko Africa, and UNAIDS are supporting the rollout in an effort to deliver wide, low-cost coverage particularly for adolescent girls and young women who are at a greater-than-average risk of HIV infection.
In a recent statement, the Global Fund called Lenacapavir’s entry “one of the most significant breakthroughs in HIV prevention in decades.”
“With the FDA’s approval of Lenacapavir in June, and agreements now in place for global supply, we expect to deliver at least 2 million doses mainly to sub-Saharan Africa,” the Fund said. “This injection expands HIV prevention choices, especially for people who experience stigma or face difficulties with daily pills.”
Looking Ahead
As Kenya prepares to roll out the drug in 2026, health officials and global partners are doing their best to get the medication into the hands of those who will benefit the most by offering a new, promising chapter in the country’s a long-standing battle against HIV.
“This could be a game-changer,” Dr. Mulwa said.. “It brings us closer to an HIV-free generation.”
