Kenya begins lenacapavir rollout, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, offering over 99% protection and hope for high-risk populations

Kenya has begun administering lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug taken twice a year, marking a major step in the country’s fight against new infections.

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The first dose was given on Thursday in Kawangware, a densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi.

Lenacapavir has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent.

While described as vaccine-like for its long-acting protection, the medication is an antiretroviral drug and does not stimulate the immune system.

Health Minister Aden Duale called the rollout a milestone in Kenya’s public health response.

“Today is a moment of hope for thousands of Kenyan families,” he said, noting the drug will be provided free of charge to eligible recipients.

Kenya was among nine African nations selected in 2025 to introduce lenacapavir, following its initial rollouts in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia.

Government data indicate about 1.3 million people are living with HIV in Kenya, with the highest infection rates among 15- to 24-year-olds.

“Many of our young people still face the risk of infection. This innovation gives us renewed strength in our national fight against HIV,” Duale added.

Kenya received an initial shipment of 21,000 doses last week under an agreement involving US pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Health workers said the twice-yearly injection could improve adherence compared with daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which many users find difficult to maintain.

Carol Njomo, a community health worker in Kawangware, noted that the injection offers greater privacy and reduces frequent clinic visits.

Samson Mutua, 27, became the first recipient during the launch, calling it “an added protection.”

For 23-year-old sex worker Peace Lawrence, the injection brings relief.

“Having sex with multiple partners always leaves me in fear,” she said, expressing hope for more consistent protection compared with daily PrEP.

The rollout comes amid reduced external funding for HIV/AIDS programmes across Africa, particularly following US cuts.

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Health officials said innovations like lenacapavir could sustain prevention efforts despite financial pressures.