February 21, 2026

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HIV Prevention Injection Lenacapavir Will Be Free in Kenya, Ministry of Health Clarifies

The Ministry of Health has clarified that the newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, will be provided free of charge in selected public health facilities across Kenya.

How does this HIV shot protect you and can it fail?

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said reports suggesting Kenyans would pay about Sh7,800 for the drug were misunderstood, noting that the amount refers to the estimated cost per patient to the health system and not to individuals seeking the service.

According to the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Lenacapavir will be offered at designated facilities in priority counties as part of a phased rollout aimed at preventing new HIV infections. The injection, administered only twice a year, is expected to improve adherence compared to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills.

Health officials said the drug was approved by global regulators and locally reviewed before being registered for use in Kenya, adding that it forms part of the country’s Universal Health Coverage agenda and efforts to ensure every child is born HIV-free.

The ministry further assured Kenyans that additional phases will expand ac