The Minister of Health, Aden Duale, has announced the first 15 counties to receive Lenacapavir, the HIV Prevention Injection, in the first phase.
According to a statement dated February 18, 2026, Duale listed Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kiambu as the first counties selected for the rollout, which was scheduled to start early March.
“The first 15 counties selected for the initial roll-out are: Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kiambu,” read part of the statement.
He added that the final phase covering the remaining 17 counties would follow to ensure nationwide access over time.
Kenya Receives Lenacapavir For 15 Counties
Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir, a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for the initial rollout in priority counties.
Aden Duale stated that the shipment was done in partnership with the Global Fund, adding that an additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to ensure that those who start the prevention injections can continue without interruption.
“We also expect an additional 12,000 continuation doses by April, to ensure that those who start the prevention injections can continue without interruption,” read part of the statement.
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He further revealed that another 25,000 doses from the U.S. Government will also be shipped later to strengthen early implementation.
Aden assured Kenyans of safety, noting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine in June 2025, before the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved it.
He also highlighted that in January, the government, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, completed a scientific review and registered both the oral and injectable formulations for use in Kenya.
“In January 2026, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), recommended the registration of Lenacapavir 300mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464mg solution for injection, following a detailed scientific assessment in line with Kenyan laws and international regulatory standards.”
Kenya was selected among the first nine countries, including Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
How Lenacapavir is Used
Lenacapavir is given as an injection under the skin of the abdomen by a trained healthcare provider. Before the first injection, patients may start with oral Lenacapavir tablets to prepare the body for treatment.
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There are two ways the treatment may begin:
- Day 1–2 method: Oral Lenacapavir is taken on Days 1 and 2, followed by the injection.
- 3-day method: Oral Lenacapavir is taken for 3 days, and the injection is given 2 weeks later.
Once started, the injection is only needed every six months, making it a long-acting and convenient option for managing HIV.
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