Kenya leads EA health revolution with the digital triangle    

Kenya is leading East Africa’s charge into a new era of healthcare by unlocking the potential of the Digital Health Triangle.
The strategic intersection of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), primary healthcare (PHC), and health technology. This model is reshaping how health services are delivered, financed, and scaled across the region, and the message from health leaders at WHX Nairobi 2025.
Supported by the Ministry of Health, Kenya, WHX Nairobi convened policymakers, NGOs, innovators, and private sector leaders to discuss the digital future of health systems.
Kenya’s growing role as a regional innovation hub was front and centre, with its blend of policy reform, digital infrastructure, and community-first approaches drawing international attention.
“The future of universal healthcare depends on how well we collaborate across sectors, especially in the face of challenges like climate change,” said Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary, Government of Kenya.
“With overseas development funding on the decline, it’s time for the private sector to step in as both investors and as innovation partners.”
Muthoni emphasised the need for digital innovation in primary care, noting that the private sector’s agility and creativity are essential for implementing technology that reaches underserved populations.
“We’re looking to the private sector to support digital transformation at the community level,” she said.
“Government cannot do it alone; we need every hand on deck.”
Kenya’s Digital Health Triangle aims to connect the goals of UHC with people-centred primary healthcare and the power of digital innovation from AI-assisted diagnostics to mobile-based patient records. These tools are helping bridge healthcare gaps between rural and urban populations.
“When we talk about transforming healthcare in Africa, it comes down to three things: strong primary care systems, universal access without financial hardship, and digital innovation that connects it all,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets. “Each one supports the others. Without that balance, we won’t get the scale or sustainability we need.”
A standout example of public-private collaboration is the ongoing partnership between Amref Health Africa and WHX. Reaching over 30 million people, Amref is helping drive digital innovation that centres on equity and inclusiveness.
“Our partnership with WHX has allowed us to engage deeply on themes like innovation in primary healthcare and inclusive digital solutions for underserved populations,” said Corazon Aquino, Acting Global Director for Partnerships and External Engagement at Amref.
“We’re excited to keep this partnership going and to continue these vital conversations.”
At the centre of these conversations is WHX Nairobi, organised by Informa Markets, which serves as a high-impact platform for unlocking investment, scaling innovation, and shaping health policy. With WHX Labs Nairobi running alongside, the expo offers African health innovators global exposure, market entry support, and direct engagement with policymakers and funders.
“WHX Nairobi offers exhibitors and attendees unique, high-value opportunities to unlock healthcare growth and partnerships across Africa,” said Daniel Green, Exhibition Manager for WHX Africa.
“We’re proud to bring stakeholders together to advance health innovation and infrastructure across the region.”
Kenya’s approach is not about transplanting high-tech solutions into low-resource environments; it is about building locally relevant, technology-enabled systems from the ground up. By balancing policy ambition with digital innovation and community needs, Kenya is setting the standard for health transformation in Africa.