Kenya will roll out free long-acting HIV prevention injections (Lenacapavir) in 2026, targeting high-burden counties in a phased plan.
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| Photo Credit | MoH |
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that Lenacapavir will be offered free of charge at select public health facilities. This will be done in phases, during its national rollout beginning in March 2026. The clarification comes after earlier reports suggesting that patients would be required to pay around KShs 7,800 annually to access the drug. The Ministry said this figure reflects the estimated cost to the health system, not a charge to individuals.
How the Vaccine Works
Lenacapavir is part of a class of medicines used for the prevention of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), where people who are at risk of contracting HIV are given it to minimize their chances of infection. Unlike traditional PrEP, which requires taking daily pills, Lenacapavir's formulation allows it to be injected by a health professional twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose. The drug works by interrupting key stages of the HIV lifecycle, preventing the virus from establishing a foothold in the body. For individuals who find it difficult to adhere to daily medication regimens, this vaccine works well.
The concept of using antiretroviral drugs to prevent infection dates back to the early 2000s, when daily PrEP became widely recommended for high-risk populations. However, adherence to a daily pill became a major barrier for many people, especially in areas with stigma, mobility challenges, or struggles with accessibility issues. These challenges led to researchers working on a new long-acting drug, administered as a vaccine. In June 2025, Lenacapavir received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Kenya's own regulatory authority completed its scientific review and registered both the oral and injectable versions in January 2026.
Kenya's Rollout Plan
In February 2026, Kenya received an initial shipment of 21,000 starter doses. These doses were delivered in partnership with the Global Fund, which supports HIV programmes worldwide. An additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April this year, along with 25,000 doses from the United States government to support early implementation. Implementation will be carried out in phases through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and the Ministry of Health, beginning with 15 high-burden counties. The counties include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Homabay. Other counties include Kisii, Machakos, Kajiado, Busia, Kiambu, Kilifi, Migori, Siaya, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru. Dr Patrick Amoth, the director of health, received the consignment and reaffirmed the citizen's of the product. Present in the consignment were the US embassy in Kenya representative Brian Rettmen and Dr Ahmed Omar from intergovernmental relations. The vaccine has also been endorsed by the World Health Organization during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science held in Kigali, Rwanda. The World Health Organization gave a green light, describing the medicine as an effective, long-lasting option to replace daily oral pills.
Why This Matters
Despite progress in HIV treatment and prevention, Kenya still faces a substantial HIV burden. Approximately 3.7% of adults are living with the virus, and a significant number of infections occur among young people under 24 years. Innovative prevention methods and medicine are seen as key to reducing transmission and supporting Kenya's health sector goals. The rollout of universal healthcare and the fight to reduce childbirth HIV infections are also on course. By offering this long-acting option for free for individuals in priority areas, Kenya is expanding its alternatives to help those at risk stay healthy while reducing barriers associated with daily medication. This drug is a positive stride toward overcoming daily adherence, which has proved a challenge to many, stigma, and limited access to healthcare among populations at risk.
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