Kenya Launches Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injection as First Clients Receive Lenacapavir
Kenya has taken a significant step forward in HIV prevention with the introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable option that offers protection against HIV with just one injection every six months.
The milestone was commemorated at Riruta Health Centre on Thursday 26th February 2026, where the first client in the country received the injection during the national launch led by Aden Duale, alongside top government officials, development partners and implementing organizations.
Dr. Emily Koech, Ciheb-Kenya’s CEO welcomes the Health Cabinet Secretary at Riruta Health Center during the launch of lenacapavir
For 27-year-old Samson Mutua, being the first Kenyan to receive the injection marked both a personal and national milestone.
“I feel lucky, empowered and safe,” he said shortly after receiving the injection.
Mutua has been on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) since 2017, when Kenya introduced daily oral pills for HIV prevention. While the pills have played an important role in reducing infections, the introduction of long-acting options such as Lenacapavir provides individuals with more convenient choices to protect themselves from HIV.
Samson Mutua - the first Kenyan to receive Lenacapavir addressing guests at Riruta Health Centre on February 26, 2026 during the launch
Expanding Prevention Choices
While making his remarks, Douglas O. Bosire – acting the CEO of National Syndemic Disease Control Council noted that Kenya’s HIV prevention program continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of individuals at risk of infection. In addition to daily oral PrEP, long-acting injectable options are now being introduced to expand prevention choices and improve adherence.
Lenacapavir works by preventing HIV from replicating in the body and is administered twice a year, offering a discreet and convenient alternative for individuals who may find it challenging to take daily medication.
Violet Makokha, Senior Technical Advisor for the CONNECT Program at CIHEB Kenya, showcases the range of PrEP options adopted in Kenya at the CIHEB Kenya exhibition booth during the launch of Lenacapavir.
According to Javies Ngui, a HTS Lead at CIHEB Kenya, individuals eligible for the injection must test HIV-negative and undergo a clinical assessment that includes disclosure of their medical history and any medications they may be taking.
Through its programs, CIHEB Kenya continues to provide technical assistance and support to strengthen the appropriate use and uptake of PrEP options, ensuring clients receive the prevention method that best suits their needs.
Javies Ngui, Prevention Officer at CIHEB Kenya, briefs Aden Duale on the use of PrEP and the administration of Lenacapavir to eligible clients during the launch event.
A New Chapter in HIV Prevention
Teresia Wanjiku, was also among the first clients to receive the injection who described the moment as long awaited. “I have been waiting for this option for many years. This is much easier than taking pills every day,” she said. She added that the availability of new prevention options represents progress for communities that have witnessed the impact of HIV for decades. Teresiah is a high risk client at Riruta Health Center who has supported by Ciheb-Kenya’s program for the last 6 years.
Teresia Wanjiku, a client at Riruta Health Centre and beneficiary of CIHEB Kenya programs describing the moment as long awaited during the launch
Strengthening Kenya’s HIV Response
Speaking during the launch, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that the introduction of Lenacapavir strengthens Kenya’s ongoing efforts to reduce new HIV infections and move closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Hon Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health speaks during the launch of Lenacapavir at Riruta Health Centre
According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, Kenya has made significant progress in reducing HIV infections over the past two decades. However, new infections—particularly among young people—remain a concern.
The introduction of long-acting prevention options is therefore seen as an important addition to the country’s HIV prevention toolkit.
The rollout of Lenacapavir has been made possible through collaboration between the Ministry of Health Kenya, the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the Global Fund, and implementing partners including CIHEB Kenya.
Through technical assistance, service delivery support and collaboration with national and county health systems, CIHEB Kenya continues to support the expansion of quality HIV prevention services and strengthen Kenya’s progress toward epidemic control.
As the country rolls out this new prevention option, health leaders remain optimistic that innovations like Lenacapavir will help accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Participants engaged during the Lenacapavir launch at Riruta Health Centr
