Gov’t Approves HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir That Protects for Six Months

Residents of Nairobi have welcomed the government’s move to recommend the registration of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting drug designed to prevent HIV infection, saying it could transform prevention efforts across the country.

The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, announced on January 9, 2026, that it had approved a recommendation to register Lenacapavir for use as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The drug will be available in tablet form as well as an injectable solution.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the decision was reached after a detailed scientific review to confirm the medicine’s safety, quality, and effectiveness for use in Kenya.

Lenacapavir works by stopping the virus at critical stages before it can establish infection in the body. Health officials say this makes it a strong option for preventing HIV, especially among people at high risk.

One major advantage of the drug is its long-acting nature. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, the injectable version is taken only twice a year, offering protection for up to six months at a time. This is expected to help people who struggle with daily medication due to pill fatigue, stigma, or challenges with consistency.

CS Duale noted that the six-month injection provides an important alternative for HIV prevention and could improve adherence rates among users.

Kenya is now among the first countries in Africa to recommend Lenacapavir for registration, a move that aligns with global HIV prevention guidelines, including those issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Ministry of Health acknowledged that while daily oral PrEP has been rolled out nationwide, not everyone finds it easy to take pills every day. Long-acting options like Lenacapavir are expected to expand access and make prevention more convenient.

According to Duale, Kenya has been prioritised for the initial rollout through international partnerships, with plans underway to ensure the medicine reaches populations most at risk fairly and responsibly.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to reducing new HIV infections and ensuring that all approved medical products meet strict regulatory standards, as Kenya continues working towards ending HIV as a public health threat.