The first batch arrived on Tuesday, February 17, marking a new phase in HIV prevention efforts in the country, where 1.4 million people are living with HIV.
Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, the drug works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body of a person at risk. It is not a vaccine or a cure and is intended strictly for individuals who do not have HIV.
Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses for the initial roll-out across 15 priority counties selected based on HIV burden and prevalence data, according to local news outlet The Daily Nation. These counties are Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, Kisii, Mombasa, Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Busia, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru.
An additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to ensure that those who begin the injections complete their course without interruption. Following the first phase, the rollout will be extended to an additional 15 counties before expanding to the remaining 17 counties nationwide.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that Lenacapavir will be integrated into the existing health system, including distribution through the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa). The National Aids and STI Control Programme will oversee its use, safety, and commodity management.
“Let me emphasise that this medicine is for those who are HIV negative. It must be stated clearly and emphasised that Lenacapavir is neither a vaccine nor a cure for HIV, and therefore we urge all those on treatment to continue their lifelong therapy,” Duale said.
“The medicine works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body. Its greatest advantage is that it is administered only twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose,” he added.
Lenacapavir was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025 and later endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) through updated guidelines released in July 2025, confirming its safety and effectiveness for HIV prevention.
In January this year, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) recommended the registration of Lenacapavir 300mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464mg solution for injection after a scientific assessment conducted in line with Kenyan laws and international regulatory standards.
The current batch has been funded by the Global Fund through a negotiated arrangement with the manufacturer at a cost of Sh7,800 (about $60.47) per patient per year.
Kenya is among the early adopter countries for Lenacapavir. Other countries include Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Earlier this month, South Africa also made positive strides in the fight against the disease, commencing the first human trials of a locally developed HIV vaccine. The trial is the first HIV vaccine study designed and led entirely by African scientists. South Africa has approximately eight million people living with HIV, the highest number globally.