Nairobi to host WHX, WHX Labs Healthcare Summit

By Newsflash Writer

Nairobi, Kenya | September 2025 — Nairobi will next month host the inaugural WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, formerly known as Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

The three-day event, running under the theme “Advancing Healthcare and Laboratory Innovation in East Africa”, will bring together policymakers, innovators, clinicians, and investors for a unified platform focused on technology transfer, policy dialogue, and professional development.

Rising demand for healthcare

Kenya’s health sector is grappling with rising pressure, as the population is projected to exceed 63 million by 2030. While the health workforce is expanding by 3.4 percent annually, demand for services is growing even faster at 4.7 percent. Experts warn that the mismatch threatens progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030.

A recent Sh38.7 billion budget cuts has further compounded concerns, with stakeholders urging both public and private sectors to rethink workforce planning and investments in health employment.

Event rebrand and partnerships

For the past seven years, Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa have been the region’s leading healthcare gatherings. Rebranded this year into WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, the events will run under the patronage of Kenya’s Ministry of Health, backed by Africa CDC, and accredited by the Kenya Medical Association and the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians & Technologists Board.

More than 200 exhibitors are expected, showcasing the latest in diagnostics, clinical care, and digital health.

An elderly person is attended to at a past summit. Photo/WHX Nairobi

Among the global brands participating are Randox, Beckman Coulter, Radiometer, Snibe, Siemens Healthineers, Roche Kenya, Dedalus, Fujifilm, and QIAGEN, underscoring the event’s role as a hub for cross-border collaboration.

“As East Africa scales up molecular diagnostics and genomics, Snibe is committed to ensuring innovation is matched by accessibility. We are partnering with universities and local laboratories to provide both technology and training, ensuring affordability without compromising on performance,” the company said in a statement.

Policy, digital health, and primary care

The 2025 agenda will feature CPD-accredited conferences tackling urgent regional challenges. The Healthcare Policy and Investment Conference will discuss financing models and public-private partnerships, while the Digital Health Conference will focus on AI-driven telemedicine and data-driven tools. The Primary Healthcare Conference will highlight community-centered approaches and women-led leadership in strengthening health systems.

“Leadership and strategic financing are pivotal to achieving equitable healthcare,” said Liberty Kituu, Senior Communication Manager, East Africa, WomenLift. “When women are equipped to lead, systems become more inclusive, financing decisions more equitable, and primary healthcare more resilient. WHX Nairobi creates a vital space to spotlight these leaders.”

Laboratory innovation at WHX Labs Nairobi

Running alongside the main conference, WHX Labs Nairobi will spotlight antimicrobial resistance, molecular diagnostics, sustainable lab management, and AI-augmented systems. It is expected to address urgent gaps in laboratory science, expand access to essential diagnostics, and highlight cutting-edge technologies in genomics and automation.

A participant gives her point during a past summit. Photo//WHX Nairobi

More than 65 international speakers are lined up, including Prof Edward Kunonga (NEOM Health & Well-Being Authority), Caroline Mbindyo (Amref Health Africa), Salim Hasham (International Hospital Federation), Dr Titus Mutwiri (Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians & Technologists Board), Dr Shahin Sayed (Aga Khan University), and Yasmin Chandani (InSupply Health). They will be joined by laboratory leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, and across the region.

“Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage is grounded in the principle of primary healthcare. The five transformative health laws passed in 2023 have laid a robust foundation, ensuring equitable access, sustainable financing, and interoperable systems,” said Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships & External Affairs at AMREF Health Africa. “My hope for WHX Nairobi is that it catalyses greater political goodwill and innovation toward scalable, people-first solutions.”

Shaping Africa’s healthcare future

Organisers say the events reaffirm East Africa’s position as a regional leader in healthcare transformation, aligning with Vision 2030 and UHC 2030.

“As organisers of WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, we are proud to provide East Africa with a platform that unites policymakers, innovators, and healthcare leaders under one roof,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets. “This year’s agenda reflects the region’s commitment to inclusive primary healthcare, sustainable financing, and rapid adoption of digital and diagnostic innovation.”

The three-day event is expected to set the pace for East Africa’s health transformation, strengthening partnerships, showcasing innovation, and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage.