NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses of the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir, marking the start of a phased national roll-out targeting counties with a high HIV burden.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 18, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that additional supplies are expected in the coming weeks to support continuity for patients beginning the regimen.
“Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir for the initial roll-out in priority counties. We also expect an additional 12,000 continuation doses by April, to ensure that those who start the prevention injections can continue without interruption,” he said.
Duale added that further support has been secured from the United States government.
“In addition, the United States Government has committed to support Kenya with a further 25,000 doses, which will strengthen the national roll-out and increase access for more Kenyans,” he added.
Phased roll-out strategy
The Ministry of Health said the injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will be introduced gradually under the guidance of national HIV data and county readiness assessments.
“The Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), is implementing Lenacapavir through a phased, well-planned approach guided by national HIV data, county readiness, and the Kenya PrEP Operational Plan 2025, to ensure that the roll-out is safe, efficient, and sustainable,” the CS noted.
According to Duale, the first phase begins in early March and will focus on 15 counties with high HIV prevalence before expanding nationwide.
“The first phase of implementation will begin in early March, covering 15 counties, followed by a second phase covering another 15 counties, and a final phase covering the remaining 17 counties, ensuring nationwide access over time.
“The first 15 counties selected for the initial roll-out are: Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kiambu,” he noted.
Integration into health systems
Kenya’s National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) will oversee distribution and monitoring, with integration into existing supply chains managed through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
“The Ministry assures the public that Lenacapavir will be integrated into existing health systems, including KEMSA distribution channels, and that NASCOP has strengthened monitoring tools to track use, safety, and commodity management. Kenya is also developing a resource mobilization plan to support long-term national scale-up beyond the initial partner-supported phase,” he concluded.
Regional leadership in HIV prevention
In July 2025, Kenya was named among the first nine African countries selected to introduce Lenacapavir as part of a broader regional HIV prevention strategy.
The other countries include Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“We are proud to announce that Kenya, along with eight other countries, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, is among the first nine nations selected to introduce Lenacapavir, a ground-breaking long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), by January 2026.
“This milestone underscores our collective determination to expand access to effective, discreet, and sustainable prevention options across the region,” the CS said.
Duale said preparatory work for national implementation was already advanced.
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“The Ministry of Health has already developed an implementation plan, and through a consultative process with stakeholders, we are finalizing national guidelines to facilitate a smooth scale-up.
“The Ministry of Health through NASCOP and our partners, we are actively working to ensure this innovative product is accessible to Kenyans by January 2026,” he added.
Public health context
Kenya remains one of the countries most affected by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV. While daily oral PrEP has been available for several years, adherence challenges have limited its effectiveness among some high-risk populations.
Lenacapavir, administered as a long-acting injection, is expected to improve prevention outcomes by reducing the need for daily medication and increasing discretion for users, particularly among key and vulnerable populations.
Health officials say the roll-out represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s strategy to reduce new HIV infections and achieve epidemic control targets by the end of the decade.
