By Dickens Okinyi
Kenya’s ongoing fight against HIV has entered a new phase with the roll out of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention and treatment drug, set to take place in 2026.
The innovation, hailed as a major milestone in global public health, promises to revolutionize HIV management, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, even as optimism builds around its potential, significant challenges remain regarding accessibility, affordability, and implementation across Kenya’s diverse populations.
Jeffrey Okoro, the Chief Executive Officer of CFK Africa, an international nonprofit that empowers youth in slums through integrated health and leadership initiatives, has highlighted both the promise and the constraints surrounding the rollout of Lenacapavir.
According to Okoro, Kenya has experienced a rise in new HIV infections, especially in counties hosting universities and colleges, where youth vulnerability and risky sexual behavior are prevalent. The introduction of Lenacapavir could be a game changer, but its high cost risks locking out many of those who need it most.
“This is a significant advancement in HIV prevention and treatment worldwide, and this medical breakthrough provides a real opportunity,” he said.
“In our local context, these shots are especially promising for healthcare workers at higher risk of HIV exposure, such as maternity staff who frequently come into contact with blood and bodily fluids. We know that the purchasing power of residents of informal settlements is limited, and the $40 cost per shot will remain out of reach for many.”
The drug’s mechanism of action involves targeting the HIV capsid, a protective shell around the virus, effectively disrupting its ability to replicate and spread. This innovation represents a significant departure from daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens, which, while effective, often face challenges with adherence, stigma, and accessibility.
Kenya’s inclusion among the first countries to benefit from Lenacapavir’s distribution underscores the nation’s strong commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. The country has made significant progress in reducing infections and increasing access to treatment over the years. According to UNAIDS, Kenya’s HIV prevalence rate stands at approximately 4 percent, with nearly 1.4 million people living with the virus. The majority are women and young people, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
The government’s efforts, supported by international partners such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and local NGOs, have led to improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention services. However, structural barriers persist, particularly in informal settlements, where access to healthcare remains limited and stigma continues to discourage testing and treatment uptake.
The promise of Lenacapavir is that it could bridge some of these gaps by simplifying treatment regimens and improving adherence. Unlike daily oral PrEP, which relies on consistent patient behavior, biannual injections reduce the burden of daily medication and could help reach populations that struggle with adherence.
Experts believe this could have a transformative effect, particularly among key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and young women, who remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Yet, as Okoro points out, the economic reality for many Kenyans poses a serious limitation.
“The shots could save countless lives,” he noted, “but unless the price is significantly subsidized, most people in low-income areas will not benefit from this scientific advancement.”
The issue of affordability is not unique to Kenya. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa face similar dilemmas where the cost of cutting-edge medications often exceeds the budgets of public health systems. While Gilead has pledged to work with global health agencies to ensure affordability, the practical implementation of such promises remains uncertain. The company has announced plans to partner with generic manufacturers to produce Lenacapavir at lower costs, but production, distribution, and regulatory hurdles could delay widespread availability.
Despite these challenges, Kenya’s early involvement in the Lenacapavir rollout offers an important opportunity for learning and adaptation. The government, working with stakeholders such as CFK Africa, has a chance to pilot implementation models that prioritize equity and sustainability. Integrating Lenacapavir into existing community health systems could enhance outreach, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas where HIV prevalence remains high. Community-based organizations, which have long played a critical role in awareness and prevention campaigns, are expected to be central to these efforts.
Furthermore, the introduction of Lenacapavir comes at a critical time when the global HIV response faces funding constraints and fatigue. Donor funding has plateaued in recent years, and domestic resource mobilization remains limited. Innovative financing approaches, such as public-private partnerships and health insurance reforms, will be key to ensuring that lifesaving drugs like Lenacapavir reach those most in need.
Experts also emphasize the importance of continued education and sensitization to combat stigma, which remains one of the greatest barriers to HIV prevention and treatment.
While the road ahead is not without obstacles, the rollout of Lenacapavir signals a new chapter in the fight against HIV in Kenya. For communities that have long struggled with limited access to quality healthcare, the drug represents both hope and a challenge—a symbol of how far science has come, and a reminder of the urgent work still needed to ensure equity in global health.
As Okoro aptly summarized, “Kenya’s inclusion among the first nine countries chosen for Lenacapavir’s rollout by January 2026 is an encouraging step forward. While details on implementation are still being developed, the introduction of this drug is a significant advancement for global public health, and we are eager to see its potential to reduce rates of infection in vulnerable communities in Kenya and around the world.”
If implemented effectively and equitably, Lenacapavir could transform Kenya’s HIV landscape, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s decades-long battle against the epidemic. But realizing that potential will depend not only on science, but on policy, commitment, and compassion.
