Kenya emerges as East Africa's Digital Health hub in push for UHC

In a landmark event hosted by WHX in Nairobi, key stakeholders from government, NGOs, and the private sector convened to discuss the future of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in East Africa and the pivotal role of the Digital Health Triangle in transforming healthcare across the region.

East Africa stands at a critical juncture where three powerful forces converge: the drive for UHC, strengthening primary healthcare systems, and the rapid growth of healthcare technology (healthtech). This convergence, known as the Digital Health Triangle, is reshaping health equity and sustainability, with Kenya leading the charge.

At the high-level networking event, participants emphasised that the future of East African health systems will be digital, decentralised, and collaborative. However, this transformation requires urgent investments, innovative partnerships, and a relentless focus on community-level impact.

“With overseas development funding on the decline, it’s time for the private sector to step in as both investors and innovation partners,” said Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary in the Government of Kenya. “The future of universal healthcare depends on how well we collaborate across sectors, especially in the face of challenges like climate change.”

Kenya’s success is no coincidence. Progressive policy reforms, pilot programs, and a dynamic startup ecosystem have laid the groundwork for a digital health network that extends beyond urban hospitals to rural clinics, homes, and mobile devices. Innovative solutions such as AI-assisted diagnostics and mobile-based patient records are connecting previously fragmented systems.

Muthoni underscored the need to accelerate digital transformation within primary healthcare, recognising the private sector's agility and creativity. “We’re looking to the private sector to support digital transformation at the community level,” she said, pledging the Ministry’s continued support for WHX and related initiatives. “Government cannot do it alone; we need every hand on deck.”

Amref Health Africa, a key player delivering services to over 30 million people, also reiterated its commitment to this digital health revolution. Corazon Aquino, Acting Global Director for Partnerships and External Engagement at Amref, highlighted their ongoing partnership with WHX, which began in Kigali in 2023.

“Our collaboration allows us to deeply engage in innovation in primary healthcare and create inclusive digital solutions for underserved populations,” she said. Aquino affirmed their enthusiasm to sustain this partnership and participate in upcoming WHX events aimed at strengthening health systems continent-wide.

Kenya’s leadership is rapidly becoming a blueprint for the region. The country’s combination of public-sector ambition and private-sector innovation is forging a new healthcare model—one that is tech-enabled, prevention-focused, and locally tailored. This approach avoids simply transplanting high-tech solutions into low-resource settings; instead, it builds from the ground up with tools, data, and partnerships designed to fit local needs.

Daniel Green, Exhibition Manager for the WHX Africa Portfolio at Informa Markets, described WHX Nairobi as a vital platform for healthcare innovation. “Our event provides unmatched opportunities for thought leaders and change makers to forge partnerships and advance healthcare infrastructure across Kenya and East Africa,” he said, noting strong support from Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director at Informa Markets, summed up the vision: “Transforming healthcare in Africa depends on three interlinked pillars: strong primary care systems, universal access free from financial hardship, and digital innovation connecting it all. The Digital Health Triangle aligns these pillars, making scale and sustainability possible.”

The Digital Health Triangle is now the blueprint for East Africa’s healthcare future—uniting UHC’s moral imperative, primary healthcare’s community focus, and digital technology’s power to innovate and connect. Kenya’s progress is proof positive that this integrated approach can drive lasting, scalable health improvements across the continent.