Kenya’s rapidly expanding population—projected to exceed 63 million by 2030—is placing increased pressure on the country’s healthcare system. Although the health workforce is growing at an annual rate of 3.4%, demand for healthcare services is rising faster, at 4.7% annually. This imbalance is straining existing resources and undermining efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a central pillar of Kenya’s Health Sector Strategy and Vision 2030.
Despite the government’s commitment to UHC, a recent budget cut of KES 38.7 billion poses a significant threat to the delivery of essential public health services. To meet growing healthcare needs, Kenya must adopt a more strategic, data-driven approach to workforce planning—one that moves beyond the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model and emphasises increased public-private sector collaboration and investment in health employment.
In this context, WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi—formerly Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa—emerge as critical platforms for catalysing change. Now rebranded and co-hosted in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Health, Africa CDC, the Kenya Healthcare Foundation, and the Kenya Medical Association, these events will take place from 6–8 October 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
The events are part of the global World Health Expo (WHX) network and will bring together healthcare leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors to showcase cutting-edge medical technologies, explore investment opportunities, and foster strategic partnerships aimed at transforming healthcare delivery across East Africa.
This year, WHX Nairobi will launch its inaugural Healthcare Leaders Ministerial Roundtable, supported by President William Ruto and the Ministry of Health. The roundtable will convene senior policymakers and global health leaders to explore sustainable, long-term solutions to healthcare workforce shortages and discuss expanding medical education, incentivizing rural health practice, and improving laboratory training.
“Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage is grounded in the principle of Primary Health Care. The five transformative health laws passed in 2023 have laid a robust foundation, ensuring equitable access to services, sustainable financing, interoperable digital systems, and a people-centred, data-driven health system,” said Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships & External Affairs at AMREF Health Africa. “My hope for the WHX Nairobi Roundtable is that it catalyses greater political goodwill and innovation toward scalable, people-first solutions that can be replicated across Africa.”
WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi will feature a comprehensive three-day agenda, including six CPD-accredited conferences focused on Healthcare Policy & Investment, Digital Healthcare, Primary Healthcare, and Laboratory Innovation. Key highlights include live product demonstrations, expert-led discussions, and new country pavilions from Egypt, South Africa, and Brazil showcasing the latest healthcare solutions.
WHX Labs Nairobi will specifically address the diagnostic workforce shortage with specialised training programs in clinical microbiology, parasitology, laboratory management, molecular diagnostics, and genomics—equipping professionals with the tools to meet the region’s growing demand for advanced diagnostics.
Two new social sustainability initiatives will also be launched:
Rays of Hope, in partnership with IAEA and GE Healthcare, which aims to tackle the shortage of trained radiologists and expand access to affordable cancer diagnostics in East Africa.
Women 50/50, led by Philana Mugyenyi, focused on promoting gender equity in healthcare leadership across clinical and laboratory sectors.
High-level attendees at this year’s event include:
Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change & Forestry
Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary for Health, Ministry of Health
Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI)
Dr. Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, Regional Director, Africa CDC
Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Cabinet Secretary, East African Community Affairs and Regional Development
“By uniting policymakers, hospital executives, laboratory professionals, and global healthcare leaders, WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi are building on the legacy of the past seven years to drive impactful change,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director for Informa Markets. “These events are instrumental in addressing key health challenges and accelerating patient care improvements in Kenya and across the region.”
WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi represent a unique opportunity to advance the region’s healthcare agenda, strengthen health systems, and position Kenya as a regional hub for medical innovation. To be part of this transformative healthcare movement, visit the official website and register today:
🔗 https://www.worldhealthexpo.com/events/healthcare/nairobi/en/home.htm
