The Second Nairobi Health Scientific Conference opened on Wednesday 5th November 2025 at the Argyle Grand Hotel, bringing together leading Health Professionals, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and development partners to reconstruct Kenya’s path towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The three-day forum, themed “Advancing Universal Health Coverage Towards the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 for Nairobi,” provided a strategic platform for collective renewal, shared accountability, and innovation in the health sector.
Speaking during the opening session, organizers underscored that the conference was more than a gathering, describing it as a platform to showcase evidence, exchange innovations, and co-create solutions that will strengthen the six pillars of Primary Health Care service delivery, health workforce, financing, governance, access to medicines and technology, and health information systems.
In a passionate call to action, delegates were urged to deepen collaboration, align priorities, and sustain the shared mission of achieving UHC. Health workers were commended for their unwavering service, while NGOs, community-based organizations, and faith-based institutions were called upon to continue complementing public health efforts with compassion and innovation.
Building a Resilient Health Workforce
The first panel discussion, titled Thinking Beyond Donors: Building a Crisis-Resilient Health Workforce in Kenya, featured a robust conversation among leading experts including Peter Waithaka (CHU4UHC), Dr. Joyce Sitonik (Kenya Healthcare Federation), Dr. John Kihama (KHHRAC CEO), Dr. Moses Owino (Nairobi County), Janet Muriuki (HRH Expert), and Prof. Frank Wafula (Strathmore PRISM).
The session was moderated by Dr. Loice Cushny of Strathmore PRISM.
Panelists emphasized the need to rethink integration and reduce dependency on donor funding. Dr. Owino noted that “integration has not been easy,” urging stakeholders to embrace change strategically. Dr. Kihama highlighted that withdrawal of donor support had exposed structural weaknesses in Kenya’s health system, adding that health workers must be properly inducted, supervised, and motivated to ensure retention.
Dr. Sitonik, representing the private sector, pointed out that sustainable resource allocation remains key to transitioning smoothly from donor reliance, while Waithaka emphasized the need for digital governance and standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency.
Spotlight on Partnerships and Innovation
In a partner spotlight, Christian Blind Mission (CBM) an international development and humanitarian organization,shared its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, promote inclusion, and remove barriers that perpetuate inequality.
Dr. Rebecca Wangusi (CIHEB-K) presented on Harnessing multi-Sector Collaboration and Digital Innovation to Strengthen Health Commodity Planning and Procurement in Kenya. She emphasized that data-driven resource allocation and digital systems have enhanced financial performance and supply chain responsiveness in devolved units. Integrating multi-sectoral governance with data-driven resource allocation can dramatically improve efficiency and accountability, Dr. Wangusi said.
The session also featured abstracts on Scaling Trauma Preparedness through Public–Private Collaboration by William Kimanzi showcasing the Stop the Bleed Kenya Model a community driven initiative improving emergency response.
Public-Private Partnerships as Catalysts for Innovation
Another highlight was a panel on Public-Private Collaborations as a Vehicle for Scaling County-Level Innovation, moderated by Dr. Sammy Masibo, a health systems and policy expert.
Panelists included Dr. Noelle Orata (Open Phences), Eng. Kefa Seda (PPP Directorate, Treasury), Johnson Kilangi (Miundo Msingi Hub), and Peris Njibu (Council of Governors, Health Secretariat).
They underscored the importance of structured frameworks for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), noting that accountability, affordability, and value for money must remain central in project design and implementation.
Strathmore University’s Brenda Buyasi also presented research on The Impact of Food Insecurity on the Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in Ruaraka Sub-County, under the M-imba project, highlighting the intersection between food systems and maternal health.
Strengthening County-Led Health Systems
The final panel of the day focused on Bridging Primary Healthcare Gaps Through County Led Partnerships to Strengthen Performance Management.
Panelists included Elizabeth Kiptoo (Nakuru County), Dr. Kisiang’ani Isaac Babu (Trans Nzoia County), Dr. Oda Conny Mirimo (Nairobi County), Dr. Helen Kiarie (Ministry of Health), Dr. Eric Chomba Wanjohi (Makueni County), and Dr. Brenda Mogaka (Ruaraka Sub-County). The session was moderated by Anthony Kabarita.
Discussions centered on decentralizing health planning enhancing accountability mechanisms, and empowering counties to innovate in primary healthcare delivery.
A Collective Step Forward
As the conference continues, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive health system for all Nairobi residents. Through knowledge exchange, innovaton, and collaboration across sectors, the event marks a crucial step toward realizing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage goals by 2030.
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