NAIROBI, Kenya, July 7 – WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi are set to convene in Nairobi to discurse an array of ussues among them growing shortfal of health workers in the country.
The summit arrives at a time when Kenya is facing a pressing health workforce crisis.
The country is producing far fewer health workers than it needs.
According to the conveners,each year, only 7,650 new professionals join the sector yet over 70,000 more are needed to fill the gap.
Organisers warn the shortage could surge past 170,000 by 2035.
“Kenya’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage is grounded in the principle of Primary Health Care,” said Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at AMREF Health Africa.
“My hope for the WHX Nairobi roundtable is that it catalyses greater political goodwill and innovation toward scalable, people-first solutions.”
Demand for care is rising faster than the workforce can keep up.
The sector is growing at 3.4% a year, but patient needs are rising at 4.7%. A Sh38.7 billion health budget cut has further strained the system.
This year’s WHX events are expected to draw over 300 exhibitors and more than 8,000 delegates. Global health leaders will gather to share ideas, find solutions, and build partnerships.
“By uniting policymakers, legislators, hospital executives, laboratory professionals, and healthcare leaders at WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, we are building on the legacy of the past seven years,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director for Informa Markets.
The programme also features new social impact efforts, including Rays of Hope and Women 50/50, both aimed at strengthening health leadership and equity.
