In a landmark moment for Kenya’s fight against HIV, 27-year-old delivery rider Samson Mutua has become the first Kenyan to receive the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to curb new infections.
Mutua received the injection on 26 February 2026 at Riruta Health Centre in Kawangware, Nairobi, witnessed by senior health officials, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
The delivery rider, who also works as a community health promoter in Dagoreti South, received two subcutaneous injections of Lenacapavir in his lower abdomen early in the morning.
To ensure “day-one protection,” the delivery rider also took oral PrEP tablets on the day of the injections and the following day, after which the biannual jab will offer him protection against HIV for the next six months.
“I was anxious, but I feel so good and protected now,” said Mutua, reflecting on his decision to volunteer for the programme after years of daily oral PrEP and prevention counseling.
He emphasised that other prevention methods, such as condoms, should still be used, as Lenacapavir adds protection but does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections.
A New Era in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug designed to protect HIV-negative individuals from acquiring the virus.
Unlike traditional daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered twice a year, significantly reducing the burden of daily pill-taking and offering an alternative for people facing challenges with adherence.
Clinical trials have shown high levels of efficacy, with studies demonstrating up to a 96 % reduction in HIV acquisition risk with consistent use.
The introduction of Lenacapavir follows endorsement by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2025, which recommended the injectable as part of a broader range of HIV prevention tools in national programmes.
The drug has also received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been incorporated into global HIV prevention guidelines.
Kenya’s National Roll-Out Strategy
Kenya received its first consignment of 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir in February 2026 through partnerships with the Global Fund and other international donors, marking the beginning of a phased national rollout.
Under the Ministry of Health’s plan, the initial phase will target high-burden counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kisumu, and Homa Bay, where new infections remain comparatively high.
The Ministry of Health has emphasised that eligibility for Lenacapavir requires individuals to test HIV-negative before initiation, and rapid diagnostic or self-tests are acceptable under WHO-aligned guidelines to prevent the risk of drug resistance.
Health officials describe Lenacapavir as a game-changing addition to Kenya’s HIV prevention toolkit, offering a long-lasting option that could accelerate progress towards the national goal of eliminating new HIV infections by 2030.
It is expected to be offered free of charge at public health facilities for eligible individuals.
A Broader Context of HIV Prevention
Kenya has been at the forefront of expanding HIV prevention options, complementing existing strategies such as daily oral PrEP, condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision, and treatment as prevention.
HIV remains a significant public health challenge in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa, but innovations like Lenacapavir offer renewed hope, particularly for young people and other populations at elevated risk.
As Kenya scales up this long-acting injectable, health authorities and partners are optimistic that it will help reduce barriers related to stigma, adherence, and access, further strengthening the national response to the HIV epidemic.
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