Imagine a future where protecting yourself from HIV is as simple as one injection every six months.
That future may be arriving sooner than expected for thousands of Kenyans, thanks to a revolutionary drug known as Lenacapavir.
The new injectable, already making waves globally, has been described by health officials in Kenya as a “breakthrough” in HIV prevention.
Unlike the traditional daily pill regimen known as PrEP, Lenacapavir offers protection with just two doses a year.
“This is a monumental shift,” said Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Head of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCOP).
“Lenacapavir has the potential to simplify prevention for people who are at high risk but have trouble sticking to daily medication.”
The injection, expected to cost around Sh6,000 per dose, could be a game-changer in curbing new infections, especially among young people, key populations, and others who face barriers to accessing or adhering to daily PrEP.
Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against HIV, reducing new infections by nearly 70% since the early 2000s.
But the country still records tens of thousands of new cases annually, many of them among people aged 15–24.
Experts say part of the challenge is that daily PrEP, while highly effective, requires strict adherence.
“You miss a few pills, and your protection drops,” said Faith Mwikali, a PrEP user and peer educator in Nairobi.
“Some people are scared someone will see the pills and start judging. That’s why something like Lenacapavir is such a relief.”
Lenacapavir changes the game by removing the burden of daily pills, offering a discreet and long-lasting option.
While the excitement is palpable, health officials have issued a measured reminder: Lenacapavir is not a shield against all STIs.
“This jab prevents HIV, but it won’t protect you from syphilis, gonorrhea, or other infections,” Dr. Mulwa said. “Condoms, regular screening, and safer sex practices remain essential.
The rollout will also require public education to dispel myths and manage expectations.
“There’s a real risk that people will mistake this for a vaccine that protects against all STIs,” warned Dr. Lucy Nduta, a public health consultant.
“It’s powerful, yes—but it’s not invincibility.”
Before Lenacapavir can be integrated into Kenya’s public health system, authorities say more information is needed—specifically on how the drug performs in local populations.
“We’re seeking additional clinical and operational data from both local studies and global trials,” said Dr. Mulwa.
“This is about more than approval,it’s about ensuring safety, efficacy, and long-term accessibility.”
Already, pilot projects and demonstration studies are being considered in high-prevalence counties like Kisumu, Homa Bay, and parts of Nairobi.
At Sh6,000 per injection, the drug may be out of reach for many. But the Ministry of Health has hinted that discussions are underway to subsidize or fully fund the injection for high-risk groups.
“We must make sure this isn’t a privilege reserved for the wealthy or those in urban areas,” said Dr. Mulwa.
“This is fundamentally about health equity.”
Civil society groups and global partners, including PEPFAR and UNAIDS, are also expected to play a role in financing and supporting the rollout.
For people like Faith Mwikali, Lenacapavir represents more than just convenience, it’s about reclaiming control.
“People think HIV is just about sex. But for some of us, it’s about safety, power, dignity,” she said. “If one injection every six months can give me that, then I say let’s bring it.”
