Kenya to host 2026 World Health Summit Regional Meeting at KICC, spotlighting African health innovation

Nairobi, Aug 27, 2025 — Kenya will host more than 2,000 health leaders, policymakers and innovators when the 2026 World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting takes place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from April 27–29, 2026. Themed “Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration and Interdependence,” the meeting will position Nairobi at the centre of continental and global health dialogue.

Why the summit matters

• Global stage: Kenya becomes the 13th country to host a WHS regional meeting, joining Singapore, Brazil and Uganda.

• African milestone: The summit will spotlight African-led health solutions and amplify Africa’s voice in shaping global health priorities.

• Catalyst for change: Expected outcomes include recommendations for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), stronger health systems, and enhanced innovation ecosystems across the continent.

Voices from organisers

• Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, dean of Aga Khan University’s Medical College in East Africa and incoming international president of WHS 2026:

  “The summit will spotlight African-led solutions while shaping the broader global health conversation. It reaffirms Kenya and AKU’s commitment to research, education and community engagement.”

• Geoffrey Thande, KICC business development director:

  Emphasised strategic partnerships with local and international organisations to deliver a world-class conventionexperience.

Who will attend

• African health ministers

• Leaders from Kenya’s Ministry of Health, Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF, and the African Union

• University researchers, civil society groups, private-sector executives, and development partners

They will participate in plenary sessions, high-level dialogues and collaborative workshops, producing actionable policy and research recommendations.

Beyond prestige: expected impact

• Policy integration: Building frameworks for regional health cooperation.

• Innovation showcase: Highlighting African ingenuity in digital health, financing, and care delivery.

• SDG momentum: Linking outcomes to global commitments on health, equity, and climate resilience.

• Tourism & economy: Hosting thousands of delegates boosts Nairobi’s standing as a convention city.

Next steps

With less than a year to go, planning is underway to ensure seamless logistics, security, and media engagement. Stakeholders are positioning WHS 2026 as both a prestigious event and a catalyst for Africa’s health transformation.