Healthcare leaders unite at WHX Nairobi to drive innovation and strengthen systems
Dr. Joel Gondi from the ministry of Health when he opened WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs 2025 Expo at KICC, Nairobi
By Aoma Keziah,
Thousands of healthcare professionals, innovators, and policymakers gathered for WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, East Africa’s largest healthcare and laboratory science event, a three-day meeting, themed “Advancing Healthcare and Laboratory Innovation in East Africa,” .
The event drew more than 5,000 visitors, 200 exhibitors, and 65 speakers from over 20 countries, underscoring the growing importance of collaboration in improving health outcomes across the region.
The opening day began with a high-level CEO panel moderated by Prof. Salim Hasham, Special Advisor for Africa at the International Hospital Federation.
Panelists included Rashid Khalani of Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr. Toseef Din of M.P. Shah Hospital, Felix Osano of The Nairobi Hospital, and Dr. Richard Lesiyampe of Kenyatta National Hospital.
Discussions centered on how healthcare institutions can strengthen their workforce while remaining focused on patient care.
“In healthcare we encounter loss every day, but compassion must not fade. True sustainability begins when leaders protect the humanity of their teams as fiercely as they protect their patients,” said Dr. Din.
Dr. Lesiyampe echoed the sentiment, urging hospitals to shift from merely managing staff to nurturing talent.
“When we invest in people through training and mentorship, we build stronger institutions and a healthier nation,” he said.
Regulatory expert Dr. Daniel Yumbya, Director at the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities, emphasized that aligning regulation, education, and investment is key to a resilient health system.
“A strong health system is a country’s promise to safeguard its people, not only today but for generations to come,” he emphasized.
A session hosted by the Global Health Association of Kenya brought together representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and CarePoint Health, who explored new models of financing healthcare.
“Global funding has achieved so much, but we must move from charity to partnership.Lasting progress happens when funders trust and empower local experts,” said Dr. Samuel Oti of the International Development Research Centre.
Adding her voice, Dr. Aliza Monroe-Wise, WHO Consultant and Chief Medical Officer at CarePoint, said, “Africa’s youth are our greatest resource. If we invest wisely in them and in innovation, the continent can lead the future of global health,” she added.
A separate session hosted by WomenLift Health focused on women leaders shaping health policy and reform in the region.
Moderated by Judy Anyona, the discussion highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and mentorship to ensure women’s voices influence decisions that affect communities.
Alongside the main congress, WHX Labs Nairobi delved into advances in diagnostics and laboratory science.
Experts like Dr. Titus Mutwiri, Safari Kithi, and Dr. Shahin Sayed discussed strategies to improve diagnostic quality and tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Exhibitors showcased innovations ranging from molecular testing to automated diagnostic systems. Randox, Beckman Coulter, and Radiometer were among the key participants.
“We’re working to bring reliable testing closer to communities. Our goal is to make rapid and accurate testing available in every county,” said Meshack Oduor Ouma of Randox.
Bioline, represented by Sara Silva, reaffirmed its partnership with Kenya in strengthening surgical services. “As we move toward Universal Health Coverage, we aim to deliver quality surgical materials at fair prices while supporting local supply chains,” she said.
This year’s programme features six CPD-accredited conferences spanning healthcare policy, digital health, primary care, laboratory management, and molecular diagnostics.
Each session is designed to provide practical lessons for professionals working to build stronger, more resilient systems.
As the first day concluded, participants agreed that collaboration, innovation, and leadership are vital for the region’s healthcare future.
“WHX Nairobi has become more than a conference, it’s a movement that brings together the people shaping the future of healthcare in East Africa,” explained Fleming, Sales Partner Director at Informa Markets.
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The Mt Kenya Times 
