The Ministry of Health has clarified that Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, will be offered free of charge at selected public health facilities across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry dismissed reports suggesting that patients would pay about Ksh7,800 annually for the medication. It explained that the Ksh7,800 figure refers to the estimated cost per patient to the health system, not a fee charged to individuals.
The Division of National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP) also confirmed that the medicine will be provided at no cost in first-priority counties through designated facilities.
Kenya has already received 21,000 starter doses in partnership with the Global Fund, marking the first phase of a national rollout targeting high HIV-burden counties.
Unlike daily HIV prevention pills, Lenacapavir is administered just twice a year — a major shift expected to ease the burden for individuals who struggle with daily medication routines.
An additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April 2026, while a further 25,000 doses from the United States Government will support early implementation.
Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, who received the consignment, assured Kenyans of the drug’s safety. He noted that it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and later endorsed by the World Health Organization in July 2025.
In January 2026, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board registered both the oral and injectable formulations for use in Kenya following a scientific review.
Phase one of the rollout begins in March 2026 and will cover 15 high-burden counties before expanding nationwide in subsequent phases. The programme supports Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda and ongoing efforts to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission.
