Kenya is set to revolutionize its HIV prevention strategy by introducing Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, by January 2026. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement, placing Kenya among nine African nations leading the rollout, including Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
This marks a significant step in the region’s ongoing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. Lenacapavir is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved injectable PrEP drug that offers six months of protection with a single dose. It was endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its updated guidelines released in July 2025.
“This milestone underscores our collective determination to expand access to effective, discreet, and sustainable prevention options across the region,” said CS Duale. “There is an urgency for impactful and tailored solutions.”
Kenya’s HIV prevalence stands at 3.7%, with an estimated 1.4 million people living with HIV. Alarmingly, 41% of new infections occur among youth under the age of 24, underscoring the need for innovative and youth-friendly prevention tools.
Lenacapavir addresses persistent challenges that have limited the effectiveness of daily oral PrEP, such as adherence issues and social stigma. By offering a long-acting and discreet alternative, it promises to improve uptake among vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents and young women who often face structural and societal barriers.
The Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), has already developed an implementation plan in consultation with stakeholders. National guidelines for the scale-up of Lenacapavir are in their final stages of approval.
“We remain committed to ensuring equitable access, strengthening community engagement, and integrating Lenacapavir into our national policies to reach priority populations effectively,” added Duale.
Health experts and advocacy groups have welcomed the announcement as a major leap forward in HIV prevention. They see the rollout of Lenacapavir as a game-changer that could significantly reduce new infections and bring Kenya closer to its goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.
