WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi are set to play a pivotal role in addressing Kenya’s urgent shortage of healthcare workers by driving sustainable solutions and collaborative action. Currently, Kenya produces around 7,650 new health workers each year, yet a recent WHO assessment reveals that the country needs at least 70,000 more to ensure every Kenyan can access quality care. Without immediate expansion of training programs and health worker recruitment, this critical shortage is projected to grow by over 114,000 by 2030 and could reach 170,000 by 2035.
This urgent situation forms the backdrop for WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, East Africa’s leading healthcare and laboratory events, taking place from 6–8 October 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The events will host over 300 exhibitors, delegates from 20 countries, more than 65 international speakers, and 8,000+ attendees, uniting stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
Kenya’s fast-growing population, projected to surpass 63 million by 2030, is driving demand for healthcare services at a pace that outstrips current workforce growth. While the healthcare workforce expands by 3.4% annually, the demand for services is rising by 4.7%. Without sufficiently skilled professionals, Kenya risks falling short of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) targets outlined in its Vision 2030 strategy, a vision already under threat due to a recent KES 38.7 billion budget cut for public health services.
Addressing this complex challenge requires a paradigm shift in workforce planning, moving beyond a “one-size-fits-all” model and fostering stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to boost investment in healthcare employment.
For the past seven years, Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa have served as Kenya’s premier platforms for healthcare and laboratory advancements. Now rebranded under the World Health Expo (WHX) umbrella as WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, these events, held in partnership with the Ministry of Health and supported by the Africa CDC, the Kenya Healthcare Foundation, and the Kenya Medical Association, will build on this legacy to drive transformative outcomes.
Key highlights for WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi 2025 include:
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Healthcare Leaders Ministerial Roundtable: Backed by President William Ruto and Kenya’s Ministry of Health, this landmark forum will convene policymakers, global leaders, and industry experts to chart actionable strategies to expand training, incentivize rural healthcare practice, and develop a resilient health workforce.
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Focus on Innovation and Collaboration: Attendees will explore breakthrough medical technologies, digital health solutions, advanced diagnostics, and precision medicine—all vital for addressing workforce shortages and improving care delivery.
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Specialised Conferences and Programmes: Six CPD-accredited conferences will cover healthcare policy & Investment, digital healthcare, Primary Healthcare, and more. WHX Labs Nairobi will host sessions on laboratory management, clinical microbiology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, and genomics all crucial areas for tackling the region’s diagnostic workforce gap.
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Social Sustainability Initiatives: WHX Nairobi introduces two firsts: Rays of Hope, in partnership with IAEA and GE Healthcare, aims to train radiologists and expand access to affordable cancer diagnostics, while the Women 50/50 Programme, led by Philana Mugyenyi, will drive gender balance in healthcare leadership.
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International Pavilions and Networking: Country pavilions from Egypt, South Africa, and Brazil will showcase cutting-edge technologies. Attendees will gain practical insights, forge partnerships, and explore new business opportunities.
Prominent government and regional leaders confirmed for this year’s event include:
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Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change & Forestry
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Mary Muthoni Muriuki, CBC, HSC, Principal Secretary for Health, Ministry of Health Kenya
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Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI)
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Dr Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, Regional Director, Africa CDC
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Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Cabinet Secretary, East African Community Affairs and Regional Development
“Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage is rooted in Primary Health Care. The transformative health laws passed in 2023 have laid a strong foundation for equitable, sustainable, and data-driven health systems. I hope the WHX Nairobi roundtable accelerates scalable, people-first solutions replicable across Africa,” said Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships & External Affairs, AMREF Health Africa.
“By uniting policymakers, legislators, hospital executives, laboratory professionals, and healthcare leaders, WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi will build on our seven-year legacy to drive transformative health outcomes for Kenya and the region,” added Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director, Informa Markets.
Join WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi
To be part of the future of healthcare in Kenya and East Africa, visit:
🔗 WHX Nairobi
🔗 WHX Labs Nairobi
About the World Health Expo (WHX)
WHX is the world’s leading healthcare exhibition platform, hosting 15 annual in-person shows and 110+ conferences worldwide. Its global community of over 600,000 healthcare professionals is dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability across the healthcare ecosystem.
About Informa Markets
Informa is an FTSE 100 company listed on the London Stock Exchange. With 14,000 colleagues in 30 countries, Informa connects businesses and professionals through world-class events, digital services, and specialist research.