Nairobi lands major UN health summit in 2026
By Kiprono Keileb, January 22, 2026Kenya has secured the hosting rights for a major global health meeting, with Nairobi set to host the World Health Summit Regional Meeting (WHSRM) 2026.
The event will take place at the United Nations Office in Nairobi from April 27 to April 29, 2026, bringing together health leaders, policymakers, researchers and partners from across the world.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, January 22, 2026, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed the developmen saying the preparations are already underway.
Duale explained that early consultations have begun to ensure Kenya is ready to host the high-level forum. He said the meeting is part of a broader planning process aimed at positioning the country well ahead of the summit next year.
“In preparation for the upcoming World Health Summit Regional Meeting (WHSRM) 2026, I held a consultative meeting with Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, Dean and International President of WHSRM 2026, as part of the ongoing planning for the Summit, which Kenya will host at the United Nations Office in Nairobi from 27th to 29th April 2026.”
The Health CS noted that the summit will be guided by a theme that reflects the current and future direction of health systems on the continent. He said the theme speaks directly to Africa’s health priorities and the need for collaboration across countries and sectors.
“Held under the theme, ‘Reimagining African Health Systems: Innovation, Integration and Interdependence,’ the Summit is expected to bring together over 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, underscoring Kenya’s growing stature in global health leadership and diplomacy,” part of the Health CS post on X reads.
Duale further pointed out that the summit’s focus closely matches Kenya’s own health agenda, especially ongoing reforms in the health sector. He said hosting the meeting offers Kenya a chance to highlight progress made under Universal Health Coverage and primary healthcare.
“I noted that the theme strongly aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, reinforces Nairobi’s role as a regional hub for health innovation, and provides a strategic platform to showcase the country’s leadership in Primary Health Care reforms,” he wrote.
According to the CS, the gathering will also serve as a platform for open discussions on some of the most pressing health challenges facing Africa and the world. He said participants will have an opportunity to share ideas, research and solutions that can shape future health policies.
“The Summit will offer a critical forum for addressing both emerging and persistent health challenges through dialogue, knowledge exchange and strengthened regional and cross-sectoral collaboration, while advancing inclusive, evidence-based solutions with global relevance,” the statement reads.
Duale added that the preparations are being undertaken in coordination with senior officials in the health sector. He acknowledged the presence and support of key ministry leadership during the planning meeting.
“I was joined in the meeting by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni,” he wrote
The CS said the World Health Summit Regional Meeting will boost Nairobi’s profile as a key diplomatic and health hub, while also opening opportunities for Kenya to influence regional and global health conversations ahead of 2026.