- Samson Mutua became the first Kenyan to receive the Lenacapavir HIV prevention injection that will prevent people who are exposed from getting the disease for six months
- Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale launched the national rollout of long-acting injectable HIV PrEP, and they all witnessed as Mutua took the injection
- Kenyans expressed mixed reactions to the introduction of Lenacapavir in HIV prevention efforts, with some eager to go for it while others were scared of being ‘lab rats’
Nairobi, Kenya: A 27-year-old delivery rider in Kawangware identified as Samsom Mutua has become the first Kenyan to receive the long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir.
Source: Facebook
Happening Now: Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale launched the long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir, marking the first phase of the national rollout and reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to ending the HIV epidemic through innovative, people-centred prevention solutions.
Read also
Kenyan newspapers review: Gov’t proposes shifting civil servants from permanent to contract terms
Mutua got two injections of Lenacapavir on his lower abdomen at the Riruta Health Centre at 8 am, and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was there to witness it.
After the injection, Mutua had to swallow two oral Prep tablets immediately to ensure that he was protected for the first day. He will take two more tablets today, Friday, February 27. That means he is protected against HIV for the next six months, after which he will return for another injection.
Mutua will not take any more Prep pills within those six months.
Source: Facebook
What do you need to know about Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is touted as a groundbreaking long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, in a major step to curb new infections and strengthen the national HIV response.
Speaking at the Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi, The CS described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a milestone in prevention efforts, noting that 1.4 million Kenyans are living with HIV, with thousands of new infections recorded each year.
He emphasised that expanding innovative prevention options is critical to reversing transmission trends and protecting vulnerable populations.
Read also
Pharmacists’ body reacts to video of Rigathi Gachagua buying medicine at local chemist
According to Duale, the medicine is safe for consumption, as it has met all regulatory as well as procurement requirements under both national laws and health guidelines.
The safety, quality, and effectiveness of the meds were also rigorously assessed through international scientific review and local evaluation by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, with support from the Global Fund.
The injectable will be administered twice a year and offered free of charge to eligible individuals at selected public health facilities in priority counties.
“Its rollout will follow a phased, structured approach guided by trained healthcare professionals to ensure safe and equitable access,” said the Ministry of Health on the its Facebook page.
How did Kenyans react to the new development?
Chemutai Kipkorir:
“Vaccine are safe as long as people are educated before hand.I do hope it’s not mandatory either because people have right to refuse and choose. Im just curious because the same drug is not in use in the countries that manufacture it.”
Absolom Kiarie:
“Nyaboke Ndege keep serving wananchi. Good job.”
Copen Wa Njoroge
“Are those watching already vaccinated.”
Read also
Kenya newspapers review: NIS links UDA member to recruitment of 1,000 Kenyans into Russian military
Wakang’ethe Mûnjirû:
“Is it in just Kenya and mostly Africans? Ama there’s cure for AIDS kweli? Anyway watu wadungwe na wakunywe dawa sijaongea mimi.”
Nduku Wa Lamu:
“Huko imetoka wamedungwa? Ama testing goes with us… siwezi.”
RickyJohn Efekt Nganga:
“Walitumia criteria gani? Alisema nini ama ako na partner hiv positive? I’m just overthinking don’t slap me.”
Govt’s Reality for Youth Living With HIV
In a previous story, the Kenyan government shared a robust plan to end HIV and AIDS as a public threat by 2030, but a raft of persistent challenges threatens the realisation of this goal.
World AIDS Day is observed on December 1, all over the world, and it is mainly to commemorate lost lives, celebrate progress in response strategies and support victims.
The Ministry of Health hosted a National Half Marathon and Commemorative Event on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Source: NgGossips
