Kenya is set to roll out a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, giving patients a fresh option beyond daily pills.
The jab, known as lenacapavir, provides protection for six months with a single dose and is expected to cost about Sh5,000.
Health officials say the injection will be made available through a pilot program before full distribution.
The drug, which was recently endorsed by the World Health Organization, is being introduced in partnership with global health agencies to increase access and affordability.
Unlike existing daily oral PrEP medication, lenacapavir offers longer protection, a move experts believe could improve adherence and reduce new HIV infections.
Kenya, which has one of the highest HIV burdens in Africa, is among the first countries selected to implement the program.
According to the Ministry of Health, discussions are ongoing to further reduce the price through generic manufacturing and international funding support.
Early agreements with global partners have already lowered the cost significantly compared to the initial market price of branded versions.
Kenya currently has more than 1.4 million people living with HIV, with thousands of new infections reported annually.
Officials hope that wider access to preventive options like lenacapavir will help the country move closer to its goal of reducing HIV transmission rates.
The pilot rollout is expected to begin later this year, targeting high-risk groups before scaling up to the general population.
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