200 global firms to showcase medical technologies at Nairobi health expo

The exhibitors will participate in the 10th World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi, to be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from September 16 to 18, where over 5,500 healthcare professionals, including hospital executives, procurement managers and distributors, are expected to attend.

The exhibition comes as hospitals across Kenya and the wider East African region increase investments in diagnostic equipment, medical devices, digital health systems and hospital infrastructure to meet rising demand and align with new healthcare financing models.

According to the Ministry of Health, more than 31 million Kenyans have registered under SHA, 11,034 health facilities have been contracted and over Ksh.147 billion has been paid in claims since October 2024.

The reforms have shortened claims processing from 90 days to 30 days, prompting hospitals to modernise their systems to comply with the new reimbursement framework.

MEDAK Chairperson Dr. Janki Chauhan said the exhibition comes at a critical time for healthcare providers.

"Kenya's transition to the SHA marks a decisive turning point for our national healthcare ecosystem. Healthcare facilities are under immediate pressure to adapt to new reimbursement structures, expanded benefit packages and digitised claims processing," she said.

She noted that the reforms were creating opportunities for suppliers of medical equipment and healthcare technology across the region.

"Across East Africa, from Ethiopia's CBHI expansion to Tanzania's pharmaceutical momentum and Uganda's infrastructure push, we see a shared imperative for modern medical solutions. WHX provides the commercial platform where healthcare providers can connect directly with global suppliers and plan investments that will strengthen healthcare delivery in the long term," Dr. Chauhan added.

Organisers said the event will showcase innovations across eight product categories, including medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, digital health, hospital equipment, pharmaceuticals and information technology.

Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director – Healthcare at Informa Markets, said healthcare financing reforms are reshaping purchasing decisions across East Africa.

"Healthcare financing reforms across East Africa aren't simply theoretical anymore—they are actively reshaping hospital procurement right now. WHX brings hospital leaders and procurement managers together with distributors and technology companies to coordinate investment plans with these new funding models before the next fiscal year," he said.

The exhibition has grown steadily, with exhibitor numbers increasing by 22 per cent from last year and exhibition space expanding by 81 per cent.

Organisers estimate that the 2025 edition generated US$84.19 million in business, highlighting the event's role as a key marketplace for healthcare investment in East Africa.