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Samson Mutua Becomes First Kenyan to Receive Anti-HIV Injection
Samson Mutua, a 27-year-old delivery rider from Kawangware, Nairobi, has become the first Kenyan to receive the long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir. His milestone signals a new chapter in Kenya’s fight against HIV.
Mutua received two injections at Riruta Health Centre at 8am. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale witnessed the historic moment.
Immediately afterward, Mutua swallowed two oral PrEP tablets to secure protection on day one. He will take two additional tablets on Friday. After that, the injection will protect him for six months. Consequently, he will not need daily PrEP pills during that period.
Health officials structured the process in line with national clinical guidelines.
“When I heard about the drug, I volunteered immediately,” Mutua said. Although he felt anxious about being injected on live television, he expressed excitement about the breakthrough. “I feel protected,” he added.
Mutua qualified for the programme after years of counselling and consistent PrEP use. In fact, his journey began in 2017 during a blood donation drive. At the time, he could not donate because he had engaged in risky behaviour.
“If you have unprotected sex with someone who has not tested, that is risky,” he explained.
Besides working as a delivery rider, Mutua also serves as a community health promoter in Dagoreti South. Therefore, he now plans to champion the injection among young people. However, he emphasises that it should complement, not replace, other prevention methods such as condom use.
Samson Mutua Becomes First Kenyan to Receive Anti-HIV Injection
How Lenacapavir Strengthens HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir works as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option. Specifically, it blocks the virus from establishing infection in HIV-negative individuals. After the initial course, patients receive one injection every six months.
Unlike daily oral PrEP, this method reduces the burden of taking pills every day. As a result, it offers convenience and may improve adherence. Moreover, it expands prevention choices for individuals at higher risk.
Kenya has already secured 21,000 starter doses for the first phase. The Ministry of Health will prioritise high-burden counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kiambu.
The government launched the rollout under a national strategy that aims to reduce new HIV infections to zero by 2030. Therefore, officials view Lenacapavir as a critical addition to existing tools such as daily oral PrEP and condom promotion.
Kenya’s Broader HIV Response
At the launch, Douglas Bosire, Acting CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, highlighted Kenya’s steady progress.
“In 2013, Kenya recorded 110,000 new infections. By 2024, that number dropped to 15,000,” he said. Deaths also declined significantly during the same period. Nevertheless, he cautioned that HIV remains a public health priority.
Bosire stressed the need for a comprehensive approach. In addition to medication, Kenya must address related factors such as early sexual debut and teenage pregnancy.
Meanwhile, health officials confirmed that the Global Fund supports the rollout. The government will offer the drug free of charge at public facilities in the 15 priority counties. Subsequently, authorities will expand access to all 47 counties.
CS Aden Duale described the programme as bold leadership in prevention. He urged communities to embrace the new option as part of a wider strategy to end the epidemic.
Dr Andrew Mulwa, CEO of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCOP), also praised the speed of implementation. The World Health Organization issued global guidelines in July 2025. Yet within seven months, Kenya had already administered the injection.
“Most HIV products take five to ten years to reach this stage,” he said. “However, this time we moved faster.”
Ultimately, Lenacapavir strengthens Kenya’s prevention arsenal. By combining innovation, accessibility, and community engagement, the country moves closer to ending new HIV infections.
