List of Kenyan Hospitals That Will Offer Injectable HIV Vaccine for Free

Kenya is making significant strides in HIV prevention with the rollout of the injectable HIV vaccine, Lenacapavir, in January 2026. This long-acting preventive injection will be available for free in public hospitals, marking a major milestone in the fight against HIV. As one of the first nine countries globally to introduce this twice-yearly injection, Kenya aims to ensure widespread access, especially for vulnerable groups.

This article explores the facilities offering the injectable HIV vaccine, the importance of Lenacapavir in HIV prevention, and why this initiative is crucial for Kenya’s health strategy.

Initial Rollout Facilities for Injectable HIV Vaccine

The initial distribution of Lenacapavir will focus on public referral hospitals and county-level facilities with established HIV prevention programs. While the Ministry of Health has not yet published an official list, NASCOP (National AIDS and STI Control Programme) has confirmed that major hospitals with the capacity to manage large-scale distribution will be prioritized.

Major Public Hospitals Leading the Initiative

The rollout of the injectable HIV vaccine will start at key public hospitals known for their extensive experience in HIV care. These hospitals have the infrastructure to manage and distribute the vaccine effectively.

Kenyatta National Hospital (Nairobi)
As Kenya’s largest referral hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital will play a central role in the Lenacapavir distribution. It has a well-established HIV care program and is equipped to handle the logistical demands of the new vaccine.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (Eldoret)
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is another key facility in the Rift Valley region. Known for its expertise in HIV prevention and treatment, this hospital will lead the initiative in the area.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (Kisumu)
Serving the western region, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital will be pivotal in ensuring that Lenacapavir reaches at-risk populations in the area.

County-Level and Regional Hospitals Receiving the Drug

The government plans to extend the vaccine to county and regional hospitals, ensuring that rural and underserved populations have access. Some of the hospitals slated to receive the injectable HIV vaccine include:

Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital
Embu Level 5 Hospital
Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital
Kakamega County General Hospital
Nakuru Level 5 Hospital
Garissa County Referral Hospital
Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital
Machakos Level 5 Hospital
Kisumu County Referral Hospital
Bungoma County Referral Hospital

These hospitals will help expand the reach of the vaccine beyond major cities, making it accessible to more Kenyans.

Cost and Access in Public and Private Hospitals

In public hospitals, Lenacapavir will be free of charge, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to access. NASCOP has emphasized that affordability is a priority to ensure everyone who needs the vaccine can access it.

Private hospitals may introduce fees, but discussions are ongoing to ensure a balance between accessibility, sustainability, and supply. These private hospitals will complement public efforts by providing the vaccine to those who may prefer private healthcare settings.

How the Injectable HIV Vaccine Works

Lenacapavir is a long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It is administered through an injection under the skin of the abdomen. Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir requires an injection only every six months. Here’s how it works:

Initial Dosing: Patients begin with oral Lenacapavir tablets for the first few days to prepare the body for the injectable version. The process involves either the Day 1-2 method or a 3-day method, followed by an injection after two weeks.
Long-Acting Injection: After the initial doses, the injection is given every six months.

This approach helps people who struggle with daily medication adherence, offering a more convenient, discreet option. The long-acting nature of Lenacapavir significantly improves adherence, particularly among high-risk groups.

Why Lenacapavir is Crucial for HIV Prevention

The introduction of Lenacapavir represents a major breakthrough in HIV prevention. This injectable option addresses several challenges associated with daily oral PrEP, including adherence, stigma, and access. Here’s why it’s so important:

Improved Adherence: With just two injections per year, Lenacapavir eliminates the need for daily pills, making it easier for individuals to stay on track with their prevention regimen.
Convenience: The long-acting nature of the drug makes it much easier to manage, especially for those who face challenges accessing healthcare on a daily basis.
Sustainable Protection: By providing an effective, long-lasting preventive method, Lenacapavir helps reduce new HIV infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as youth, sex workers, and those in high-risk areas.

Health officials believe that this vaccine will play a key role in reducing Kenya’s HIV prevalence, which currently stands at 3.7%. The country has around 1.4 million people living with HIV, with 41% of new infections occurring in people below 24 years old.

The Importance of Lenacapavir in Kenya’s HIV Strategy

Kenya’s HIV prevalence continues to be a public health challenge. The introduction of Lenacapavir is a part of a larger strategy to reduce the spread of HIV and ensure that prevention is accessible to all. The initiative is part of a broader international effort, involving countries like Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and others.

By introducing this innovative solution, Kenya is positioning itself at the forefront of global HIV prevention. This reflects the country’s commitment to expanding access to cutting-edge HIV prevention tools.