A Kenyan who lives in Kawangare Street is the first to receive a vaccine to prevent HIV infection

• Samson Mutua is the first Kenyan to receive an injection of Lenacapavir HIV vaccine which will prevent people at risk of contracting the disease for six months
• Health Minister Aden Duale launched the national launch of PrEP, a long-term injection to prevent HIV infection, and all witnessed Mutua receiving the vaccine
• Kenyans expressed mixed feelings about the introduction of Lenacapavir in efforts to prevent HIV infection, with some eager to get it while others fear becoming ‘lab rats’

Nairobi, Kenya: A 27-year-old bodaboda driver on the street Kawangwarein the name of Samson Mutua is the first Kenyan to receive the long-term vaccine to prevent HIV infection, Lenacapavir.

What’s Going On Now: Minister of Health Hon. Aden Duale launched the long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug (PrEP), Lenacapavir, the first phase of a national rollout and strengthening Kenya’s commitment to ending the HIV epidemic through innovative, people-focused prevention solutions.

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Mutua was given two injections of Lenacapavir in his lower abdomen at Riruta Health Center at 8am, with Health Minister Aden Duale present to witness.

After the injection, Mutua had to take two Prep tablets immediately to ensure that he was protected for the first day. He will take two more pills today, Friday, February 27. That means he is protected against HIV for the next six months, after which he will return for another injection.

Mutua will not take any other Prep pills within those six months.

What do you need to know about Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir is being touted as a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, a major step in reducing new infections and strengthening the national HIV response.

Speaking at the Riruta Health Center in Nairobi, the Minister described the introduction of Lenacapavir as an important step in prevention efforts, noting that 1.4 million Kenyans are living with HIV, while thousands of new infections are recorded every year.

He emphasized that expanding innovative prevention options is essential to reducing transmission trends and protecting vulnerable populations.

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According to Duale, the drug is safe for use, as it has met all legal and procurement requirements under national laws and health guidelines.

The safety, quality, and efficacy of the drugs were also thoroughly evaluated through an international scientific review and an internal evaluation by the Medicines and Poisons Board, with support from the Global Fund.

The injection will be given twice a year and given free to eligible people in selected public health centers in priority counties.

The injection will be given twice a year and given free to eligible people in selected public health centers in priority counties.

“Its launch will follow a phased approach led by trained health professionals to ensure safe and equitable access,” the Ministry of Health said on its Facebook page.

What did Kenyans say about the new development?

Chemutai Kipkorir:

“The vaccine is safe as long as people are educated early. I hope it is not necessary either because people have the right to refuse and choose. I am only interested because the same drug is not used in the countries that manufacture it.”

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Absolom Kiarie:

“Nyaboke Ndege keep serving the people. Good job.”

Copen Wa Njoroge

“Are those watching already vaccinated?”

Wakan’ethe Mûnjirû:

“Is it just in Kenya and mostly Africans? Or is there a cure for AIDS already? Anyway, people should be injected and take medicine, I have not spoken.”

Nduku Wa Lamu:

“They have been injected there? Or testing goes with us… I can’t.”

RickyJohn Efekt Nganga:

“What criteria did they use? What did he say or does he have an HIV positive partner? I’m just overthinking don’t slap me.”

Government Facts for Young People Living with HIV

In a previous story, the Kenyan government shared a firm plan to end HIV and AIDS as a public threat by 2030, but many ongoing challenges threaten the achievement of this goal.

World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1, around the world, and is primarily to commemorate the lives lost, celebrate progress in strategies to combat the epidemic and help victims.

The Ministry of Health organized a National Half Marathon and Celebration Event on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

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