Budget reduction of Sh38.7 billion in the health sector causes concern among health officials
In October 2025, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre will play host to WHX Nairobi, a major health policy forum that aims to accelerate solutions making health systems more resilient and people-centered. The event, backed by the Ministry of Health, Kenya Medical Association, and Africa Centres for Disease Control, is expected to attract over 200 exhibitors and 65 speakers from around the globe.
Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets, has stated that WHX Nairobi convenes policymakers, clinicians, and investors under one roof to discuss pressing health issues and explore innovative solutions. The forum will focus on financing models, public and private partnerships, and the adoption of new diagnostic technologies.
One of the key topics to be discussed is the widening gap between demand and supply for health services. According to the latest data, demand for health services is rising at a rate of 4.7% per year, while the health workforce in Kenya is growing at a rate of 3.4% annually. This discrepancy is a cause for concern, as it could potentially stall progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
To address this issue, WHX Nairobi will spotlight efforts to match innovation with accessibility in molecular diagnostics and genomics. The Digital Health Conference, for example, will focus on artificial intelligence and telemedicine, while the Primary Healthcare Conference will delve into strategies for improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
The event coincides with Kenya's rollout of SERA.ai, an artificial intelligence tool for health policy development. This tool is expected to play a significant role in informing evidence-based decisions and driving progress in the health sector.
The confirmed speakers for the WHX Nairobi Conference include Professor Yap Boum II (Deputy Incident Manager for the Continental Mpox response, Africa CDC), Dr Thomas Hoffmann (Head of Emergency Preparedness and Response, ECDC), Dr Olivier Le Polain (Unit Head, Epidemiology and Analytics, WHO Health Emergencies Programme), Dr Melissa McRae (Senior Researcher in Medical Ethics, MSF), Uzoamaka Gilpin (Africa Global Health Security Team Leader, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), Dr Edmund Newman (UK-PHRST Director), and Dr Thomas Waite (Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health and Social Care) who will chair a session.
However, the health industry has raised an alarm about a Sh38.7 billion budget cut in the 2025-26 allocation for health in Kenya. Despite a rise to Sh138.1 billion, key programs, including Universal Health Coverage and support for vulnerable groups, faced notable cuts. This budget cut could potentially stall progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
Despite these challenges, WHX Nairobi aims to be a platform for collaboration and innovation, bringing together stakeholders from across the globe to discuss, learn, and find solutions to the health challenges facing Kenya and the world. Snibe, an exhibitor at WHX Nairobi, is partnering with universities and local laboratories to provide both technology and training, contributing to the development of a more resilient and people-centered health system.
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