Kenya has received its first shipment of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection, marking a major step in the country’s fight against the virus.

In a statement posted on February 18, 2026, the U.S. Embassy Nairobi confirmed that the first consignment had arrived in the country.

“Hope has arrived. The first shipment of Lenacapavir landed in Kenya last night,” the embassy said. It described the medicine as a game-changing HIV prevention treatment that has the potential to significantly reduce new infections.

Lenacapavir is manufactured by Gilead Sciences and is given as an injection twice a year. Unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets, the new drug offers protection for six months with a single dose. Health experts say this could help people who struggle to take a pill every day.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses. Officials plan to begin the first phase of the rollout in early March 2026.

Director General for Health Patrick Amoth said the drug is strictly for HIV-negative individuals who face a substantial risk of infection.

“It must be stated clearly and strongly emphasised that this medicine is neither a vaccine nor a cure for HIV,” Amoth said on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He urged people already living with HIV to continue taking their lifelong antiretroviral therapy.

The government will first distribute the injections in 15 high-burden counties. These are Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kiambu.

The Ministry said it selected these counties using national HIV data and readiness assessments under the Kenya PrEP Operational Plan 2025. Health teams will implement the programme in three phases. After the first 15 counties, another 15 will follow, and then the remaining 17 counties, to ensure nationwide access.

Kenya’s HIV prevalence currently stands at 3.7 per cent. About 1.34 million people are receiving treatment. However, officials remain concerned about new infections, particularly among young people. The Ministry reports that 41 per cent of new infections occur among individuals under the age of 24.

Affordable rollout gains momentum

Lenacapavir works by blocking key stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body. Health officials believe it will particularly benefit pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young people and others who face stigma or challenges in adhering to daily medication.

The initial consignment was supported by the Global Fund at a negotiated cost of about Ksh7,800 per patient per year. Amoth noted that the original global price had been far higher.

“Remember, at the introduction of this product, the yearly dose was about 42,000 US dollars. Now, these figures come to Ksh7,800 per patient per year. So, a great reduction in price. We are working together as part of the global community to ensure access to these innovative products,” he said.

The United States government has also pledged additional support. The embassy stated that the U.S., in partnership with the Global Fund, committed to co-fund the purchase of Lenacapavir for distribution to up to two million people globally.

“🇺🇸 is delivering health innovation that is saving lives,” the embassy said in its post.

Kenya expects 12,000 continuation doses by April. The United States has further pledged an additional 25,000 doses to support national scale-up.

The government will integrate Lenacapavir into existing supply systems through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority. Officials say they will use established HIV prevention and treatment infrastructure to ensure smooth distribution and monitoring.

Regulatory approval came earlier this year. In January 2026, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board recommended Lenacapavir for registration. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the approval, making Kenya one of the first African countries to authorise the drug in line with guidance from the World Health Organization.

The Ministry says it will continue to prioritise equitable access, especially for communities at highest risk. Officials also plan to mobilise additional resources to expand prevention options as part of the wider strategy to end HIV as a public health threat.