The first dose was given on Thursday in Kawangware, a densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi. Lenacapavir has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent. While widely described as vaccine-like because of its long-acting protection, it is technically an antiretroviral drug, not a vaccine, as it does not stimulate the immune system.
Health Minister Aden Duale described the rollout as a milestone in Kenya’s public health response.
“Today is a moment of hope for thousands of Kenyan families,” Duale said, noting that the medication will be provided free of charge to eligible recipients.
Kenya was among nine African nations selected in 2025 to introduce lenacapavir. The drug has already been rolled out in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia since December.
According to government data, about 1.3 million people are living with HIV in Kenya, with the highest infection rates recorded among young people aged 15 to 24.
“Many of our young people still face the risk of infection. This innovation gives us renewed strength in our national fight against HIV,” Duale added.
Last week, Kenya received an initial shipment of 21,000 doses under an agreement involving US pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Health workers say the twice-yearly injection could significantly improve adherence compared to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which many users struggle to take consistently.
Carol Njomo, a community health worker in Kawangware, said the new drug offers greater privacy and convenience by reducing frequent clinic visits.
Samson Mutua, 27, became the first recipient of the injection during the launch. “This is an added protection,” he said.
For 23-year-old Peace Lawrence, a sex worker, the development brings relief. She said remembering to take daily PrEP had been challenging.
“Having sex with multiple partners always leaves me in fear,” she said, expressing hope that the injection would provide more consistent protection.
The rollout comes at a time when several African countries are facing reduced external funding for HIV/AIDS programmes, particularly following cuts in assistance from the United States. Health officials say innovations like lenacapavir could help sustain prevention efforts despite financial pressures.