Kenya is cementing its place as a regional leader in health
innovation after bringing together top policymakers, medical experts, and
technology innovators for the WHX Nairobi Networking Event, a precursor to the
WHX Conference in October.
Organised by WHX Lab in partnership with the Ministry of
Health, the high-level forum drew participants from across East Africa to
discuss how digital technology can accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
and strengthen primary healthcare systems.
Held under the theme “The Digital Health Triangle: Universal
Health Coverage, Primary Healthcare, and HealthTech”, the meeting showcased
practical innovations such as telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and
integrated health data platforms—tools that speakers said are already improving
service delivery, cutting costs, and expanding access to underserved
communities.
Chief Guest Dr. Joe Lenai, Director for Primary Healthcare,
Preventive and Promotive Health at the Ministry of Health, stressed the urgency
of private-sector involvement.
“With overseas development funding on the decline, it’s time for the private sector to step in—not just as investors, but as innovation partners,” said Dr. Lenai.
“The future of universal healthcare depends on how well we collaborate across sectors, especially in the face of challenges like climate change.”
Key organisations, including Amref Health Africa and the
Kenya Medical Association, urged governments to embed digital health into
national health policies and called for cross-border collaboration to share
expertise and scale up proven solutions.
Corazon Aquino, Acting Global Director for Partnerships and
External Engagement at Amref Health Africa, highlighted the organisation’s
impact and its long-standing collaboration with WHX.
“Our journey with WHX began in Kigali in 2023, and for the
past three years, we’ve built a partnership rooted in shared values around
innovation and community-driven care,” said Ms. Aquino.
Daniel Green, Exhibition Manager for the African Portfolio
at Informa Media, noted the event’s role in driving tangible outcomes.
“WHX Nairobi delivers the kind of global exposure,
connections, and deals you’d expect from a world-class healthcare and medical
laboratory exhibition,” Green said.
The WHX Conference will be held on October 22, 2025, at the
Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), attracting over 600 exhibitors
and delegates from more than 60 countries.