East Africa’s healthcare sector is moving from digital health pilots towards wider implementation, with hospitals and governments increasingly adopting technologies aimed at improving diagnosis, patient management and access to care.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-supported diagnostics, telemedicine, electronic health records, hospital management systems and connected medical devices are becoming part of a broader effort to make healthcare delivery more efficient and connected across the region.

In Kenya, the shift is being supported by ongoing digital health reforms. The Digital Health Act, 2023 established the Digital Health Agency and provided a framework for integrated health information systems, digital services and health data governance.

The Ministry of Health is advancing initiatives including a Health Information Exchange, electronic claims processing, the SHA Registration Portal, the AfyaYangu app and digital hospital management systems. AI-assisted imaging and other digital tools are also being explored to support diagnosis, disease surveillance and community-level healthcare.

Dr Anne Musuva, CEO of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, said the country’s digital health reforms were creating opportunities to improve the delivery of healthcare.

“Kenya is undergoing ambitious digital health reforms, creating significant opportunities to improve access, efficiency and quality across our healthcare system,” she said. “AI-supported diagnostics and telemedicine, in particular, have the potential to extend quality healthcare beyond major urban centres and help build a more equitable health system.”

She said collaboration between government, healthcare providers and technology companies would be important in translating digital health policies into practical solutions.

“As an official supporter of WHX, the Kenya Healthcare Federation recognises the importance of bringing together government, technology partners and healthcare providers to turn policy ambitions into practical solutions,” Musuva said.

The economic potential is also significant. The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) estimates that digitalisation could contribute about KSh19 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2028. However, challenges remain. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that only about 30 per cent of telemedicine projects in Africa have been implemented, with unreliable electricity, limited devices and inadequate broadband among the barriers to wider adoption.

These challenges are shaping the type of technology healthcare providers are seeking. Solutions that can operate with limited connectivity, support offline or asynchronous workflows, integrate with existing health information systems and protect patient data are likely to be increasingly important.

The opportunity extends beyond Kenya. Ethiopia’s Digital Health Blueprint 2021–2030 prioritises digital infrastructure, interoperability and the use of data to strengthen healthcare delivery. Similar digital health investments are emerging across East Africa as governments seek to expand services beyond major urban centres.

Investment in the region’s health technology sector is also growing. According to Briter data, East African startups attracted about US$865 million between January and August 2025, including approximately US$150 million in health technology investment.

Against this backdrop, more than 5,500 healthcare professionals, suppliers and other industry stakeholders are expected at World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi, taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from September 16–18, 2026. The 10th edition of the event is expected to feature more than 200 exhibitors from over 30 countries.

Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director – Healthcare at Informa Markets, said the event comes at a time when healthcare providers are increasingly assessing technologies that can deliver practical benefits.

“Kenya’s healthcare sector is rapidly adopting digital solutions, and September marks a key moment for the market,” Coleman said. “WHX in Nairobi brings together AI diagnostics, telemedicine platforms, and hospital technology providers with healthcare leaders during an active procurement period, giving buyers a direct view of available solutions.”

The event will include technologies spanning digital health and hospital systems, alongside other areas of healthcare. For hospitals and healthcare organisations, the growing focus on practical, interoperable technology reflects a wider regional shift: digital health is increasingly being considered not simply as an innovation, but as part of the infrastructure needed to deliver healthcare at scale.