Health experts participating at the MEDEXPO Kenya 2025 have called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced diagnostics which will be a game changer in the healthcare system.
The Director of Health Products and Technologies at the Ministry of Health, Dr Tom Menge said that these technologies some of which are being showcased at the MEDEXPO Kenya 2025 have the potential to change health landscape in Africa.
“This is more than a trade fair; it’s a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and forging global partnerships and it holds a strategic importance in shaping the continent’s health future,” said Dr Menge.
“As we embrace AI and advanced diagnostics, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to ethical practice, sustainability, and equitable access to care,” Dr Menge said.
He was speaking on Wednesday during the official opening of the expo, which is being hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the County Government of Nairobi, Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical industry and Kenya Association of Private Hospitals officially opened the 25th edition of the MEDEXPO 2025, at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi.
The exhibition featured participants from 30 countries, including policymakers, health professionals, diplomats, innovators, and investors, all focused on advancing equitable and sustainable healthcare across Africa and beyond.
Dr Menge called for greater investment in technology transfer, collaborative research, and regional preparedness, reflecting on the lessons from Covid-19.
“The pandemic tested our systems. We must now gear up for the next challenge together,” Dr Menge said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry, Dr James Mokoro, stressed that quality, especially in agricultural and pharmaceutical products, must remain at the center of health innovation and urged stakeholders to look inward, assess existing gaps, and collaborate to share intelligence and best practices.
“We are not here just to share what we know but also to reflect on what we have yet to understand. while many of us may not be innovation experts by title, we are driven by purpose and that is what defines the future of healthcare,” Dr Mokoro noted.
“Whether you are in a highly developed country or in a region still building its infrastructure, we face similar challenges. Only together can we solve them,” he added.
He however warned against disjointed systems in drug supply chains, especially for critical treatments such as cancer, and questioned the accountability of global manufacturers.
Dr Joan Osoro, representing the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals, highlighted the critical role of the private sector in the country’s healthcare system, which delivers 45% of all health services.
Dr Osoro acknowledged challenges such as declining life expectancy and workforce shortages, calling for innovative global partnerships in training, research, and upskilling of health professionals especially in oncology, critical care, and pediatrics.
On the other hand, Secretary General of the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association, Eric Gichane, made a strong case for local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports and stabilize essential medicine supply chains.
“Over 70% of medicines in Kenya are imported. We must change that to ensure affordability, access, and quality,” he said, emphasizing the role of Special Economic Zones, tax incentives, and streamlined regulations in attracting investors.
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Kenya, Dr. Ali Gholampour, highlighted Iran’s impressive strides in healthcare innovation during his special address at the Kenya MEDEXPO 2025.
He proudly shared that Iran produces over 95% of its essential medicines locally and has made significant progress in cancer treatment, biopharma, and nanotechnology.
“Iran ranks 15th globally in scientific research and is among the top five in biomedical and nanotechnology innovation,” he said, emphasizing that Iran is well-positioned to contribute to global health transformation.
His remarks reinforced the importance of sustainable, accessible innovation as a key factor in advancing global healthcare.
As the week-long MEDEXPO 2025 continues, participants are expected to engage in strategic forums, exhibitions, and matchmaking events aimed at promoting healthcare investment and expanding access to advanced medical solutions across East Africa.
By Brenda Oluoch
