Kenya is set to become one of the first African nations to introduce Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable medication for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The announcement was made by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, who confirmed that Kenya will roll out Lenacapavir by January 2026. Other African Countries that will roll-out the drug include; Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In a statement set on Tuesday July 15, Duale said the initiative follows growing concern over the country’s HIV statistics, with a national prevalence rate of 3.7% and an alarming 41% of new infections occurring among youth under 24 years of age.

“This milestone underscores our collective determination to expand access to effective, discreet, and sustainable prevention options across the region,” said Duale.

Lenacapavir, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025, has also been endorsed in the World Health Organization (WHO)’s updated guidelines on long-acting HIV prevention.

The drug is administered only twice a year, offering a discreet and highly effective alternative to daily oral PrEP, particularly for populations facing stigma or challenges with adherence.

According to the Ministry of Health, the integration of Lenacapavir into Kenya’s HIV response reflects the country’s commitment to innovation, equity, and community-led health solutions. The ministry has already developed an implementation plan and is finalizing national guidelines through stakeholder consultations to ensure a smooth scale-up.

“This biomedical breakthrough marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s fight against HIV,” said Duale.

Through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and its partners, the Ministry is mobilizing systems and resources to guarantee timely availability and equitable access.

The Cabinet Secretary called on all stakeholders to align their efforts and support the rollout of this transformative intervention.