Kenya is strengthening its position as East Africa’s healthcare distribution hub as improving regional trade corridors and cross-border supply chains create new business opportunities across the healthcare sector.
The growing regional market will take centre stage during the 10th edition of World Health Expo (WHX) in Nairobi, which will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from September 16 to 18, 2026.
Organisers expect the exhibition to attract more than 5,500 delegates, over 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and record a 22 per cent increase in exhibitors compared to last year. The exhibition space has also expanded by 81 per cent to 4,500 square metres.
The event comes as East Africa’s healthcare industry continues to grow, driven by rising demand for medical services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare technologies. Market forecasts estimate the region’s hospitals market will reach USD 9.25 billion in 2025, while the pharmaceutical market is projected at USD 2.39 billion.
The wider health and wellness market is expected to grow from USD 16.8 billion in 2025 to USD 23.6 billion by 2034, supported by population growth and increasing demand for healthcare services.
Organisers say Kenya’s well-developed transport and logistics network, combined with stronger regional trade links, has positioned Nairobi as a key gateway for healthcare products and services across East Africa. However, they note that further growth will require improved trade systems and greater regulatory harmonisation within the East African Community.
The exhibition, formerly known as Medic East Africa, is held under the patronage of Kenya’s Ministry of Health and has evolved into one of the region’s leading healthcare business events, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, hospital buyers, logistics providers and policymakers.
The 2025 edition generated an estimated USD 84.19 million in business, highlighting the commercial significance of the event.
“WHX in Nairobi is where East Africa’s healthcare ecosystem comes together to do business,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director for Healthcare at Informa Markets.
“As regional trade corridors strengthen and healthcare supply chains become more connected, Nairobi is increasingly the place where manufacturers, distributors, hospital groups and policymakers can build partnerships that improve access to healthcare products and services across the region,” he said.
The exhibition will showcase products and innovations across eight sectors, including medical devices, diagnostics, laboratory technology, healthcare infrastructure, digital health solutions, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, consumables and healthcare services.
Industry analysts note that East Africa remains heavily reliant on imported medical equipment, diagnostics and essential healthcare products, making efficient procurement, logistics and distribution critical to improving access to quality healthcare.
According to World Bank data, Kenya’s health expenditure stood at 5.76 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, with per capita health spending at USD 327.76, reflecting continued investment opportunities across the country’s healthcare value chain.
WHX in Nairobi is part of the global World Health Expo portfolio, which also hosts healthcare exhibitions in Lagos and Johannesburg, aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding healthcare trade across Africa.
