Kenya is set to significantly strengthen its HIV prevention efforts with the introduction of a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as the country prepares to receive at least 34,000 doses of Lenacapavir in 2026.
The innovative antiretroviral medication, administered only twice a year, is expected to transform HIV prevention among populations at high risk of infection.
According to the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Kenya is among the countries selected to benefit from an initial global allocation of 85,000 doses of the long-acting injectable PrEP.
Of the 34,000 doses earmarked for Kenya, 21,000 are expected to arrive later this month or in early February, paving the way for the first clients to receive the injection within February.
“Out of the 34,000 doses, 21,000 are expected to arrive later this month or early February. This means that within February, the programme expects the first client to receive the injection,” said Dr. Evans Imbuki, Head of Product at NASCOP.
The rollout marks a major milestone in Kenya’s HIV response, addressing long-standing challenges associated with daily oral PrEP, including stigma, adherence fatigue, and concerns around privacy.
By reducing dosing frequency to just twice a year, health officials believe the injectable option will improve uptake and consistent protection among vulnerable groups.
The initial rollout will focus on at least 10 high-burden counties, including Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Busia, Mombasa, and Machakos, where HIV prevalence remains disproportionately high.
How the Drug Works
NASCOP has emphasized that correct administration will be key to the drug’s effectiveness.
Each client will receive four oral tablets of 300mg as part of the initiation process. Two tablets, totaling 600mg, are taken before the injection, followed by the injectable dose.
The remaining two tablets are then taken 12 hours after the initial oral dose to ensure optimal drug levels in the body.
Explaining how the drug works, Jonah Onentia, the Programme Manager at NASCOP, noted that Lenacapavir targets the virus at a critical stage.
“The drug works by binding to the capsid envelope of the virus, preventing it from entering the nucleus of host cells. In doing so, it inhibits viral replication and prevents the individual from acquiring HIV,” he said.
With Kenya aiming to reduce new HIV infections and sustain gains made over the past decade, the introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping prevention strategies and bringing the country closer to epidemic control.
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