WHX Nairobi 2025 champions innovation, investment, inclusive healthcare

Kenya is set to host East Africa’s largest and most influential healthcare event as WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi open next month at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Under the theme “Advancing Healthcare and Laboratory Innovation in East Africa,” the co-located three-day expos will unite policymakers, investors, innovators, and healthcare leaders to drive the future of healthcare across the continent.
Previously known as Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa, the rebranded WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi reflect a growing ambition: to transform healthcare systems in alignment with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and UHC 2030 goals.
To start with, the Ministry of Health, Africa CDC, the Kenya Medical Association, and other regional partners, the event will feature more than 200 exhibitors and over 65 international speakers.
With Kenya’s population projected to surpass 63 million by 2030, the country’s healthcare infrastructure faces increasing pressure. Demand for services is growing at 4.7% annually, outpacing the 3.4% growth in the health workforce.
“The solution is complex and will rely on a paradigm shift in health workforce planning… and increased investment from both public and private sectors,” the WHX noted.
A researcher in a laboratory. Image used to illustrate the story.PHOTO/Pexels
New policy investment
The conference will explore sustainable financing models and public-private partnerships (PPPs), vital tools for closing the gap in access and equity.
“Leadership and strategic financing are pivotal to achieving equitable healthcare,” said Liberty Kituu, Senior Communication Manager for WomenLift Health.
“When women are equipped to lead, health systems become more inclusive and resilient. WHX Nairobi creates a vital space to spotlight these leaders.”
WHX Labs Nairobi will focus on molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, AI-augmented laboratory systems, and sustainable laboratory management, addressing key gaps in diagnostic capacity across the region.
Top-tier global and regional players, including Randox, Beckman Coulter, Radiometer, Siemens Healthineers, Roche Kenya, Dedalus, Fujifilm, QIAGEN, and Snibe, will showcase cutting-edge technologies in diagnostics and clinical care.
“As East Africa scales up molecular diagnostics and genomics, Snibe is committed to ensuring innovation is matched by accessibility,” said a Snibe spokesperson.
“We’re partnering with universities and labs to provide technology and training, ensuring affordability without compromising performance.”
The Digital Health Conference will highlight emerging tools such as AI, telemedicine, and data-driven platforms, all poised to improve healthcare delivery efficiency.
Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships at AMREF Health Africa.
Call for collaboration
The Primary Healthcare Conference will explore women-led leadership and community-centred approaches to build health system resilience.
“Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage is grounded in Primary Health Care,” said Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships at AMREF Health Africa.
“The five transformative health laws passed in 2023 have laid a robust foundation… My hope for WHX Nairobi is that it catalyses political goodwill and innovation toward scalable, people-first solutions.”
These sessions aim to foster cross-border collaboration and policy alignment, strengthening health systems beyond Kenya.
“This year’s agenda reflects the region’s commitment to inclusive primary healthcare, sustainable financing, and rapid adoption of innovation,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets.
“By working with our partners, WHX is not only defining East Africa’s healthcare future but shaping conversations that resonate globally.”