Boda Boda Rider Becomes First Kenyan To Receive The Six-Month HIV Injection Lenacapavir

Samson Mutua has become the first Kenyan to receive the six-month HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against new infections.

The 27-year-old delivery rider from Kawangware received the jab during its official launch at Riruta Health Centre, Nairobi, on Thursday, in a ceremony led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

Mutua was given two injections in the lower abdomen. To guarantee immediate protection, he also took two oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets on-site and will take two additional tablets on Friday.

After that, the injectable will provide sustained HIV prevention for six months, eliminating the need for daily PrEP pills. He will return for another dose at the end of the protection period.

Health officials described the launch as a turning point in Kenya’s HIV response, noting that the long-acting option is expected to significantly improve adherence, especially among young people and high-risk populations.

Samson Mutua receives the jab as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale looks on. (Photo: MoH)

With an estimated 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV and thousands of new infections reported annually, prevention remains a top priority for the Ministry of Health.

The drug has undergone clinical trials, and Kenya is among the first countries to roll out the injections, regulatory approvals and procurement procedures in line with national health guidelines.

Its safety and effectiveness were reviewed internationally and approved locally by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, with support from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

In the first phase of the rollout, Lenacapavir will be offered free of charge to eligible individuals in selected public facilities across priority counties. The phased implementation will be managed by trained healthcare professionals, supported by county coordinators and Community Health Promoters tasked with increasing awareness and promoting evidence-based information.

The event was attended by senior health officials and development partners, who expressed optimism that the twice-yearly injection could accelerate progress toward reducing new infections and advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

According to the Ministry of Health, an estimated 1.4 million Kenyans are currently living with HIV, with thousands of new infections recorded annually, according to the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP) report.