Samson Mutua, a 27-year-old delivery rider from Kawangware in Nairobi, has become the first Kenyan to receive the country’s newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection. The milestone procedure took place at Riruta Health Centre early in the morning and was witnessed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale as part of the national rollout of Lenacapavir.
Mutua received two injections in the lower abdomen and immediately took two oral PrEP tablets to ensure protection from day one. He is expected to take two more tablets the following day, after which the injectable medication will protect him from HIV infection for the next six months. During this period, he will not need to continue daily PrEP pills, only returning later for the next scheduled dose in line with clinical guidelines.
Speaking after the procedure, Mutua expressed both relief and excitement about participating in what he described as a breakthrough in HIV prevention. He said he volunteered after years of counselling and consistent use of daily PrEP, noting that his awareness of risky behaviour motivated him to seek stronger protection. Besides working as a delivery rider, Mutua also serves as a community health promoter in Dagoreti South, where he plans to sensitise young people about the new prevention option while still encouraging the use of other protective measures.
Health officials confirmed that the first phase of the Lenacapavir rollout is supported by 21,000 starter doses targeting counties with a high HIV burden. The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Health’s broader strategy to reduce new infections to zero by 2030. Acting National Syndemic Diseases Control Council CEO Douglas Bosire noted that Kenya has made major progress in reducing HIV cases but warned that prevention must remain comprehensive. Authorities say the injectable PrEP will be offered free at public facilities as distribution expands nationwide.
