Kenya rallies regional leaders to embrace digital tech for health

Kenya is calling on regional health leaders to embrace digital technology to boost access to healthcare and achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The push came during the WHX Nairobi networking event held on Tuesday, where key health stakeholders from East Africa gathered to discuss the future of digital health.

Themed “The Digital Health Triangle: Universal Health Coverage, Primary Healthcare and HealthTech,” the event brought together policymakers, tech experts, and healthcare leaders. 

It was organised by WHX Lab in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Speakers highlighted how technologies like telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and digital health platforms can improve healthcare access, lower costs, and make services more efficient.

“Digital health isn’t a future goal—it’s a present-day necessity,” said one participant. 

“To achieve UHC, we must embed technology in how we deliver and manage healthcare.”

Stakeholders, including Amref Health Africa, the Kenya Medical Association, and various startups, called for more investment and better policies to support health innovation.

There were also calls for East African governments to integrate digital health into national strategies and work together to scale up successful solutions across borders.

Kenya’s leadership in digital health was spotlighted, with praise for its active startup scene, research institutions, and government-led tech initiatives.

The event served as a lead-up to the larger WHX Conference set for October 22, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The conference is expected to draw over 600 delegates and exhibitors from more than 60 countries.