East Africa’s healthcare sector is moving from digital health pilots to everyday implementation, with providers adopting AI-supported diagnostics, telemedicine, hospital management systems and connected devices to improve access, efficiency and continuity of care.

Governments and healthcare providers are investing in interoperable systems, digital claims platforms and data-led healthcare, creating opportunities for technology companies, distributors and investors.

According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), digitalisation could contribute an estimated Sh19 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2028.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only around 30 per cent of telemedicine projects in Africa are currently implemented, highlighting the opportunity for wider deployment.

Against this backdrop, World Health Expo (WHX) 2026 will bring healthcare technology providers, hospital decision-makers, distributors and investors together at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi from 16–18 September.

More than 5,500 attendees and 200+ exhibitors from 30+ countries are expected.

Dr Anne Musuva, CEO of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, said Kenya’s digital health reforms are creating opportunities to improve access, efficiency and quality.

The Digital Health Act, 2023, established the Digital Health Agency and a framework for integrated health information systems, digital services and health data governance.

The Ministry of Health is advancing the Health Information Exchange, e-claims processing, the SHA Registration Portal, AfyaYangu and digital hospital management systems.

For hospitals, technology is being assessed for practical value. AI can support medical imaging and laboratory decision-making, while electronic records can improve continuity of care.

Hospital management systems can strengthen patient flow, claims processing, inventory control and resource planning.

Ethiopia’s Digital Health Blueprint 2021–2030 prioritises interoperability, digital infrastructure and data use, while Ethiopia Health Connect is expected to expand teleconsultation and digital health services to more than 30 million people.

Unreliable electricity, limited devices and poor broadband continue to affect digital health adoption.

Suppliers able to provide systems that work with variable bandwidth, support offline workflows, integrate with national platforms and protect patient data will be better positioned to serve the region.

Briter data cited in a 2026 regional health-tech review shows East African startups attracted $865 million between January and August 2025, with approximately $150 million going to health technology.

Now in its 10th edition, WHX Nairobi is held under the patronage of Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

The event will feature eight product sectors, including IT and digital health solutions, connecting healthcare leaders with providers of AI diagnostics, electronic medical records, hospital management systems, telemedicine platforms, connected devices and health data tools.

“Kenya’s healthcare sector is rapidly adopting digital solutions, and September marks a key moment for the market,” said Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director – Healthcare, InD.

“WHX in Nairobi brings together AI diagnostics, telemedicine platforms and hospital technology providers with healthcare leaders during a procurement period.”