This quarter marked a major milestone in Kenya’s HIV response with the introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable that offers protection with just two doses a year (one dose administered every six months), this opens a new phase in HIV prevention, a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward ending HIV as a public health threat.

For many, this is more than a new product - it represents choice, convenience and a shift in how prevention is delivered.

The national launch, held on 26 February 2026 at Riruta Health Centre and led by the Ministry of Health signaled Kenya’s continued commitment to expanding access to innovative HIV prevention tools—especially for populations at higher risk, including adolescent girls and young women.

At the center of this milestone was CIHEB Kenya, whose technical expertise and programmatic support continue to shape the country’s HIV prevention landscape.

Through its programs, Ciheb-Kenya is supporting:

• Service delivery integration within existing HIV prevention platforms

• Provider readiness and capacity building to safely administer the new injectable

• Community engagement and demand creation to build awareness and trust

• Client-centered counseling, ensuring individuals can choose prevention methods that best suit their needs

As an implementing partner supporting the HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment components, Ciheb-Kenya will ensure that Lenacapavir is not just introduced, but understood, accepted, and utilized effectively.

Expanding Prevention Choice

At the sideline of the launch, we took time to engage different beneficiaries and hear directly what their views are. For individuals like Samson Mutua, the first Kenyan to receive the injection, this is a significant breakthrough which to him means more than just a medical milestone. It is an empowerment in its own form.

“I feel lucky, empowered and safe. I feel like I will no longer have to worry about daily pills. This is indeed a game changer for us,” he shared

Having previously relied on daily oral PrEP since 2017, Samson’s experience reflects a broader reality: while oral PrEP has significantly reduced new infections, adherence remains a challenge for many. Long-acting options such as Lenacapavir offer a discreet, convenient alternative, helping to bridge this gap.

Similarly, another a long-time program beneficiary, Teresia Wanjiku, described the introduction of the injectable as long overdue, saying:

“I have been waiting for this option for many years. This is much easier than taking pills every day.”

Stories like this underscore a simple but powerful truth: effective HIV prevention must be rooted in choice, dignity and real-life experience. As Lenacapavir is rolled out, it is these lived realities-of convenience, empowerment and reduced treatment burden - that will ultimately define its impact beyond the clinical milestone. With sustained collaboration between the Ministry of Health, implementing partners, and communities, Kenya is well positioned to translate this innovation into meaningful, long-term gains in HIV prevention and move closer to ending HIV as a public health threat.

Looking Ahead: From Innovation to Impact

The rollout of Lenacapavir has already begun in counties such as Kisumu and Migori, with CIHEB Kenya working closely with county governments and stakeholders to support implementation on the ground.

This includes:

• Enhancing health system readiness

• Supporting frontline providers

• Driving community-level awareness and uptake

Because introducing a new prevention method is only the first step.

Its success will depend on how effective it is:

• Integrated into routine services

• Accepted by communities

• Delivered with consistency and quality

As Kenya accelerates progress toward ending AIDS by 2030, Ciheb-Kenya remains a key partner in translating innovation into measurable public health impact.