Samson Mutua made history as the first Kenyan to receive the Lenacapavir HIV prevention injection, a long-acting treatment designed to protect individuals exposed to the virus for six months.
The national rollout of this innovative injectable HIV PrEP was officially launched by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi, where he personally witnessed Mutua’s administration of the injection.
Mutua received two injections of Lenacapavir in his lower abdomen at 8 a.m., followed by two oral PrEP tablets immediately to ensure protection on the first day.
He will take two additional tablets later in the day, after which no further daily pills will be required until his next injection six months later.
This regimen positions Lenacapavir as a major breakthrough in reducing HIV transmission, offering an easier alternative to daily oral PrEP.
Kenyans reacted with mixed emotions to the introduction of Lenacapavir, with some expressing enthusiasm to access the medication, while others voiced concerns about being “lab rats.”
Despite the apprehension, experts emphasize that the drug has undergone rigorous safety and efficacy evaluations.
According to CS Duale, Lenacapavir meets all national regulatory and procurement standards and has been carefully reviewed both internationally and locally by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, with support from the Global Fund.
Speaking at the launch, Duale described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a milestone in HIV prevention, noting that 1.4 million Kenyans currently live with the virus, with thousands of new infections recorded annually.
He stressed that expanding access to innovative prevention tools is essential to reversing transmission trends and protecting vulnerable populations.
The injectable will be offered free of charge at selected public health facilities in priority counties, with a phased rollout guided by trained healthcare professionals to ensure safe and equitable access.