Africa’s premier healthcare and laboratory science event, WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), setting the stage for three days of innovation and collaboration under the theme “Advancing Healthcare and Laboratory Innovation in East Africa.”
The event brought together over 5,000 visitors, 200 exhibitors, and 65 international speakers from more than 20 countries, cementing its position as the region’s leading platform for healthcare advancement.
Day One began with a CEO Panel Discussion moderated by Prof. Salim Hasham, Special Advisor for Africa at the International Hospital Federation and President & CEO of KKM Healthcare International.
The panel featured Rashid Khalani (Aga Khan University Hospital), Dr. Toseef Din (M.P. Shah Hospital), Felix Osano (The Nairobi Hospital), and Dr. Richard Lesiyampe (Kenyatta National Hospital), who shared strategies for building sustainable health organisations and empowering human capital.
“In healthcare, we witness loss every day, yet compassion must never fade. Human sustainability begins when leaders protect the humanity of their teams as fiercely as they protect their patients,” said Dr. Din.
Dr. Lesiyampe added, “Healthcare leadership today demands that we move from managing people to developing human capital. When we invest in training, mentorship, and collaboration, we strengthen not only our institutions but the entire national health system.”
Dr. Daniel Yumbya, EBS, Director at the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA), called for stronger alignment between regulation, education, and resource planning to ensure long-term healthcare growth.
“A resilient health system is a nation’s promise to protect its people today, and for generations to come,” he said.
A fireside chat hosted by the Global Health Association of Kenya (GHAK) explored sustainable healthcare financing, featuring contributions from the World Health Organization (WHO) and CarePoint Health.
“Global health funding has saved millions of lives but must evolve from charity to collaboration. True progress demands that funders trust, empower, and invest directly in local expertise,” said Dr. Samuel Oti, Senior Programme Specialist at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Dr. Aliza Monroe-Wise, WHO Consultant and Chief Medical Officer at CarePoint, added: “Africa is standing on the edge of a demographic goldmine. If we invest in our youth, innovation, and health systems today, Africa will define the future.”
Shane Fleming, Sales Partner Director at Informa Markets, noted that WHX Nairobi reflects the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable growth across East Africa’s healthcare ecosystem.
“By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, WHX Nairobi creates a platform that drives meaningful partnerships to strengthen health systems and improve patient outcomes,” he said.
Women transforming health leadership
WomenLift Health hosted a session titled “Leading the Future: Women Transforming Health Leadership in East Africa,” moderated by Judy Anyona, Program Lead at WomenLift Health.
The discussion spotlighted women leaders driving policy, philanthropy, and public health reforms, underscoring the need for inclusive leadership in healthcare.
Focus on innovation and laboratory systems
Running parallel to the main congress, WHX Labs Nairobi featured sessions on laboratory management, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of AI in diagnostics.
Laboratory leaders including Dr. Titus Mutwiri (KMLTTB), Safari Kithi (AKMLSO), and Dr. Shahin Sayed (Aga Khan University Hospital) shared approaches to improving diagnostic quality and efficiency.
Exhibitors such as Randox, Beckman Coulter, Radiometer, and Snibe showcased molecular and immunodiagnostic technologies, enhancing access to affordable testing.
“We are redefining access to diagnostics in Kenya by moving testing closer to patients,” said Meshack Oduor Ouma, International Sales Executive at Randox.
“Our goal is to make rapid, accurate molecular testing available in every county, ensuring no patient is left behind.”
Bioline also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya’s surgical services.
“As Kenya advances toward Universal Health Coverage, we share a vision of delivering world-class surgical materials at accessible prices,” said Sara Silva, Country Manager at Bioline. “We’re seeking a Kenyan distribution partner to strengthen local supply chains and create jobs.”
A platform for action and collaboration
This year’s programme features six CPD-accredited conferences — three under the main WHX Nairobi congress and three within WHX Labs Nairobi — each designed to deliver actionable insights for delegates.
The main congress covers Healthcare Policy & Investment, Digital Healthcare, and Primary Healthcare, while WHX Labs Nairobi focuses on Laboratory Management, Clinical Microbiology & Parasitology, and Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics.
Strengthening health systems for the future
Day One of WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi reaffirmed East Africa’s commitment to building resilient health systems through innovation, leadership, and investment.
