Samson Mutua Becomes First Kenyan to Receive Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injection Lenacapavir
In a landmark moment for Kenya's HIV prevention efforts, 27-year-old Samson Mutua made history on February 26, 2026, by becoming the first Kenyan to receive Lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that provides protection against HIV for six months with just two doses per year.
The injection was administered at Riruta Health Centre in Kawangware, Nairobi, during the official national rollout launch presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Mutua, a delivery rider and community health promoter from Kawangware, received two injections in his lower abdomen at 8 a.m., followed by two oral PrEP tablets to ensure immediate protection. He expressed immense joy and a sense of security afterward, stating he felt "protected" and describing the drug as an "extra layer of protection" especially valuable for young people.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, has demonstrated over 99.9% effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission risk and addresses key challenges with daily oral PrEP, such as adherence issues among at-risk populations. Kenya, the first country in East Africa to introduce the drug, received an initial batch of 21,000 starter doses targeting high-burden counties including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Homa Bay. The rollout is supported by a $2 million grant from the Global Fund, with the injections provided free of charge. The launch marks a significant advancement in Kenya's 42-year fight against HIV, offering hope to vulnerable groups like sex workers and youth who struggle with consistent pill-taking.
Mutua's participation symbolizes a broader push toward innovative, user-friendly prevention tools amid ongoing challenges like aid uncertainties. Health officials hailed the milestone as a game-changer for reducing new infections, with additional recipients, including a young sex worker who called it "a relief," also receiving doses during the event. As the program expands, experts anticipate improved adherence and greater impact on curbing the epidemic in the region, where Lenacapavir has already been introduced in countries like Zambia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
