Kenya could be headed for a major health crisis unless urgent reforms are made to strengthen health financing and workforce planning, health experts have warned.
New projections show that the country’s population is expected to surpass 63 million by 2030, driving up demand for healthcare services at an annual rate of 4.7 per cent. By contrast, the health workforce is only growing at 3.4 per cent per year, leaving a widening gap that threatens service delivery and the country’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The looming shortfall comes against the backdrop of a KSh 38.7 billion cut in the national health budget, a move stakeholders say undermines Kenya’s Vision 2030 and UHC 2030 commitments.
“Unless Kenya strengthens health system financing and workforce planning, progress toward UHC will remain slow,” said Desta Lakew, Group Director of Partnerships & External Affairs at Amref Health Africa.
“The five transformative health laws passed in 2023 have laid a robust foundation, ensuring equitable access to services, sustainable financing, interoperable digital systems, and a people-centred, data-driven health system. My hope for WHX Nairobi is that it catalyses greater political goodwill and innovation toward scalable, people-first solutions that can be replicated across Africa.”
These concerns were raised ahead of WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi, a three-day health and laboratory innovation forum scheduled to take place next month at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Organisers of East Africa’s largest health expo noted that the solution to the region’s health challenges cannot be one-size-fits-all.
“It requires strategic investment in health employment and closer collaboration between the public and private sectors,” the organisers said.
The forum will bring together policymakers, innovators, clinicians, and investors under the theme “Advancing Healthcare and Laboratory Innovation in East Africa.” Discussions will focus on sustainable financing, public–private partnerships, and innovative models to expand access to care.
The event supported by the Ministry of Health, the Kenya Medical Association, Africa CDC and other regional partners will also tackle pressing issues such as antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic access, and digital health adoption.
Liberty Kituu, WomenLift Health’s Senior Communications Manager for East Africa, emphasised that leadership and strategic financing are critical to achieving equitable healthcare.
“Our work has shown that when women are equipped to lead, health systems become more inclusive, financing decisions more equitable, and primary healthcare systems more resilient,” Kituu said.
With more than 200 exhibitors expected to showcase the latest technologies, organisers say WHX Nairobi will provide a crucial platform to spotlight innovators and leaders shaping the future of healthcare in East Africa.
