Kenya seeks bigger healthcare investment as WHX Expo opens
Kenya is seeking to strengthen its position as a regional healthcare investment and trade hub as more than 350 international companies converge in Nairobi for the World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi 2026.
The four-day exhibition, which opened on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), has brought together medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, technology firms, healthcare professionals and investors from across Africa and beyond.
The event is expected to provide a platform for companies to explore investment, sales and procurement opportunities in Kenya and the wider East African market.
WHX Nairobi Exhibition Manager Daniel Green said international companies view East Africa as an important market and Kenya as a gateway to the wider continent.
“Over 350 international companies are here this week with us in Nairobi for World Health Expo Nairobi. These companies are really, really interested in importing or exporting their products to the East African market,” said Green.
The exhibition brings together suppliers of medical devices, laboratory equipment, pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical products.
The Ministry of Health said the growing presence of international healthcare companies provides an opportunity to strengthen supply chains while supporting the development of local manufacturing capacity.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Mugo said Kenya wants international exhibitors to become strategic partners in transforming healthcare delivery rather than simply suppliers of equipment.
The speech delivered by the director for primary healthcare, preventive and promotive health, Ministry of Health Kenya Joe Lenai, the ministry said health should be viewed not only as a social expenditure but also as an engine of economic growth and an issue of national security.
The government is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, including the Primary Healthcare Act, Social Health Insurance Act, Digital Health Act and Facility Improvement Financing Act.
The reforms have increased the need for reliable medical equipment and technology as Kenya expands access to healthcare services.
The Ministry of Health said community health promoters require reliable diagnostic tools, while rural maternity facilities need dependable surgical equipment and medical oxygen.
Laboratories also require functioning equipment, reagents and reliable power to support healthcare delivery.
The expo is therefore providing an opportunity for healthcare buyers and suppliers to engage directly on the equipment and technology needed to address these gaps.
The government is also pushing for stronger partnerships between manufacturers and Kenyan healthcare institutions, including greater technology transfer and training of local biomedical engineers and technicians.
Kenya is also looking to strengthen local manufacturing to reduce dependence on imported healthcare products and build a more self-reliant health sector.
The expo has attracted exhibitors from about 25 countries, according to the Ministry of Health, further highlighting the growing interest in the East African healthcare market.
Technology and digital health are among the key themes at the event, with exhibitors showcasing solutions aimed at improving access to medicines and healthcare services.
Green said one of the key challenges for the region is extending healthcare supply chains beyond major cities to rural areas.
He said technology can help speed up the delivery of medicines and medical equipment while improving access to accurate healthcare information and results.
The expo is expected to provide a platform for discussions on healthcare investment, supply chains, local manufacturing, digital health and medical technology.
