Injectable HIV Drug Coming to Kenya in 2026
In a bold move that could redefine HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa Kenya will begin rolling out an injectable HIV preventive drug in 2026 targeting high-risk populations through a long-acting solution that reduces reliance on daily pills. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration through NASCOP, PEPFAR, and international health agencies like WHO and UNAIDS, has confirmed plans to make Cabotegravir (brand name: Apretude) a game-changing injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) available across select counties next year.
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Why Kenya Is Embracing the Injectable HIV Prevention Approach
Kenya has long been at the forefront of HIV intervention strategies. However despite widespread ART access and PrEP pill availability, the country still ranks among the top five in Africa for HIV burden. The challenge? Adherence and stigma.
Currently through the injectable HIV drug rollout set for 2026, the country hopes to:
- Offer longer-lasting protection (one injection every two months).
- Eliminate pill fatigue and reduce stigma of daily use.
- Improve adherence, specially between youth and marginalized communities.
- Drastically cut down new HIV infections in high-incidence areas.
“This drug is a game-changer in our HIV prevention strategy,” says a senior official at the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP).
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What Is Cabotegravir (Apretude) and How Does It Work?
Cabotegravir is a Long-acting PrEP Injection accepted by international regulatory bodies and endorsed by WHO. It works by blocking the virus from entering cells and unlike Traditional PrEP pills (like Truvada) users only need one injection every two months.
Benefits Over Daily Pills:
- Sustained drug levels in the body.
- Well privacy and discretion.
- Reduced chance of missed doses.
- Effective even in high-risk exposure scenarios.
Who Will Get the Injectable HIV Drug in Kenya?
The Kenya PrEP rollout will initially target high-risk groups, particularly in counties through elevated HIV prevalence. These contain:
- Adolescent girls and young women
- Sex workers
- LGBTQ+ communities
- Discordant couples
- People through multiple partners
- Youth in urban informal settlements
Counties such as Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Nairobi and Mombasa are expected to be part of the pilot or phased rollout.
How the Injectable PrEP Rollout Will Be Implemented in Kenya
According to Ministry of Health Kenya the injectable HIV drug rollout will likely start in early 2026 and follow a phased implementation model:
| Phase | Timeline | Key Features |
| 1. Pilot Phase | Q1–Q2 2026 | Introduced in high-burden counties through support from PEPFAR & NGOs |
| 2. National Scale-Up | Q3–Q4 2026 | Wider availability through public health facilities |
| 3. Community Integration | Late 2026 onward | Outreach through CBOs, peer-led programs and mobile clinics |
Kenya’s HIV Burden: Why This Rollout Matters Now
Kenya has made commendable progress in HIV treatment and prevention yet around 1.4 million people are living with HIV. Each year, close to 32,000 new infections are recorded numerous among youth and women aged 15–24.
Oral PrEP while effective has shown limited uptake in certain demographics due to:
- Daily pill fatigue
- Stigma from visible medication use
- Mental toll of lifelong risk management
The HIV prevention jab proposals discreet, durable protection promising to reshape the upcoming of HIV care in Kenya.
Stakeholders Driving Kenya’s Long-Acting PrEP Agenda
Numerous national and international partners are supporting this rollout:
- Kenya Ministry of Health
- National AIDS Control Council (NACC)
- WHO & UNAIDS
- PEPFAR-supported HIV programs
- Pharmaceutical partners producing Cabotegravir
- Community-based organizations for local outreach
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Clinical trials have shown Cabotegravir to be safe and effective however side effects like any drug can happen:
Common Side Effects:
- Mild injection site pain or swelling
- Fatigue or headache
- Nausea (in rare cases)
A common of users in trials preferred the injectable over daily pills, citing ease of use and reduced anxiety.
Kenya Could Lead East Africa in Injectable HIV Prevention
Through this upcoming rollout, Kenya is set to become one of the first countries in Africa to offer long-acting PrEP on a national scale. It sets the tone for neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda to follow suit.
The East African health community sees this as a regional breakthrough in the journey to end new HIV infections by 2030, in line through UNAIDS Fast-Track Goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is injectable PrEP?
It’s a long-acting injection that prevents HIV by blocking the virus before it can infect your cells. It’s taken every 2 months.
Where will the rollout begin?
High HIV burden counties such as Kisumu, Homa Bay, Nairobi and Mombasa.
Who is eligible?
High-risk groups including youth, sex workers, LGBTQ+ individuals and discordant couples.
Is this better than the PrEP pill?
Yes, in terms of adherence and privacy. It is ideal for those who struggle through taking daily medication.
What Kenya’s 2026 HIV Injection Rollout Means for the Future
The introduction of the injectable HIV prevention drug in Kenya marks a pivotal moment in public health. Through its potential to transform adherence, reduce stigma, and protect vulnerable populations this move is more than a medical upgrade it is a social revolution in health equity.