Kenya’s push to become an emerging healthcare manufacturing hub in East Africa took centre stage on Wednesday as the World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi officially opened at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), bringing together healthcare companies, investors, policymakers and industry professionals from across the globe.

The three-day exhibition, running from 16–18 September 2026, has attracted more than 5,500 attendees and 200 exhibitors from over 30 countries, creating a platform for healthcare businesses and stakeholders to explore investment, manufacturing, trade and cross-border partnership opportunities.

Dr. Joe Lenai, Director for Primary Healthcare, Preventive and Promotive Health at Kenya’s Ministry of Health, officially opened the exhibition by cutting the ribbon.

Addressing participants during the opening, Dr. Lenai called for a shift in how Africa approaches healthcare technology and medical equipment, urging manufacturers and suppliers to look beyond simply selling hardware and instead provide long-term technical support.

“Africa must no longer be an equipment graveyard,” Dr. Lenai said, highlighting the challenges caused by unavailable spare parts, inadequate maintenance and shortages of technical skills.

He said expensive medical equipment can become unusable when the necessary maintenance, technical expertise and spare parts are unavailable, creating additional