Kenya’s rapidly growing population, expected to surpass 63 million by 2030, is placing unprecedented pressure on the country’s already strained healthcare system.
While the health workforce is expanding at an annual rate of 3.4%, demand for health services is rising even faster—at 4.7%—leaving a critical gap that threatens the country’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the end of the decade.
Despite ongoing efforts under Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Health Sector Strategy, a recent SH38.7 billion budget cut to the health sector risks severely undermining essential public health functions, just as the country faces mounting pressure to scale up services.
Experts are calling for a shift away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to health workforce planning and greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to close the gap.
In response to these pressing challenges, WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi—formerly known as Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa—are launching a rebranded healthcare and laboratory event series that aims to position Kenya as a leading regional medical hub.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Africa CDC, Kenya Healthcare Foundation, and the Kenya Medical Association.
“These platforms are more than just exhibitions—they are engines for change,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets. “By uniting stakeholders across the health spectrum, from policymakers to laboratory professionals, we’re building on seven years of legacy to accelerate improved patient care and transform the future of healthcare in East Africa.”
A key feature of this year’s event will be the inaugural Healthcare Leaders Ministerial Roundtable, backed by President William Ruto and hosted by the Ministry of Health.
This high-level forum will convene policymakers and global leaders to address the healthcare workforce crisis, with a focus on expanding medical education, incentivizing rural practice, and enhancing training in lab sciences.
“Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage is grounded in Primary Health Care,” said Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships & External Affairs at AMREF Health Africa.
“The five transformative health laws passed in 2023 created a strong foundation. I hope this roundtable fosters the innovation and political will needed to deliver scalable, people-first solutions that can be replicated across the continent.”
WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi will feature a robust agenda of six CPD-accredited conferences, covering topics such as Healthcare Policy & Investment, Digital Health, Primary Healthcare, and Laboratory Innovation.
WHX Labs Nairobi will address diagnostic workforce shortages through specialized training in clinical microbiology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, and genomics—critical areas of focus for a region still grappling with infectious diseases and limited lab capacity.
Prominent guest expected to attend will be Deborah Barasa who will launch the Conference.
As Kenya prepares to host one of the most influential health gatherings in Africa, the stakes are high.
The country’s ability to address its healthcare workforce shortfall and attract sustainable investments will shape not only its own future but that of the wider East African region.
“We’re setting the stage for real, lasting transformation that puts people at the center of healthcare.”
