-Agency Report~

The government has received an initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses of the long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against HIV.

The doses were delivered in partnership with the Global Fund, positioning Kenya among the first African countries to introduce the next-generation HIV prevention technology.

The consignment was officially received on Tuesday, February 17, in the presence of the Director General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, US Embassy–Kenya representative Brian Rettman, and Dr Ahmed Omar from Intergovernmental Relations.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the rollout represents the first phase of a broader national programme.

“Kenya has received an initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses of the long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir, marking the first phase of the national rollout and reinforcing the country’s commitment to innovative, people-centred approaches to ending the HIV epidemic,” the Ministry stated.

Health officials noted that Lenacapavir, administered twice a year, offers a more convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP, potentially improving adherence and reducing new HIV infections.

Addressing concerns about affordability, the Ministry disclosed that the drug will be offered at a significantly subsidised cost.

“Administered twice a year, Lenacapavir is expected to be offered at an estimated annual cost of about KES 7,800 per patient, a substantial reduction from the previous price of approximately USD 42,000,” the Ministry added.

The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to strengthen Kenya’s HIV prevention strategy and accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic through expanded access to innovative treatment options.