Nairobi, Kenya — February 26, 2026 Kenya Begins Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot Rollout in Nairobi Slum. Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya has initiated the distribution of lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, in the Kawangware slum of Nairobi.
The drug, which boasts a transmission risk reduction of over 99.
9%, is being provided free of charge, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s HIV prevention efforts. Health Minister Aden Duale heralded the occasion as a “moment of hope for thousands of Kenyan families, “speaking at the launch event.
The first recipient of the injection was Samson Mutua, 27.
Peace Lawrence, a 23-year-old sex worker, expressed relief at the new option, noting that the injection is a more manageable alternative to daily PrEP pills. “Having sex with multiple partners always leaves me in fear, “Lawrence told AFP.
To be eligible for the injection, individuals must be HIV — negative, over 15 years old, and at high risk.
Kenya has received 21,000 doses of lenacapavir through Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund.
The rollout coincides with challenges faced by African countries, which are addressing U. S.
Aid cuts that are affecting HIV programs across the continent.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat HIV in Kenya, which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world.
As the program expands, it is expected to contribute to a decrease in new HIV infections and improve overall public health outcomes.
Further details regarding the scale and impact of the rollout are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
