Kenya’s upcoming Kenya Public Health International Conference 2026 (KEPHIC 2026), scheduled for 27–29 October 2026 in Nairobi, will focus on the One Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The conference, themed "One Health, Shared Future," aims to foster cross-sector collaboration to address public health challenges, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related risks. It will bring together national and county governments, health professionals, researchers, civil society, and private sector representatives, among others, to advance integrated strategies for disease prevention and health system resilience.
The event follows Kenya’s progress in public health reforms, including the implementation of Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Authority, expansion of primary health-care networks, and initiatives like the community health strategy and Taifa Care. These efforts, according to Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, reflect a commitment to protecting people from illness while ensuring quality care. The Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative further supports this by promoting hygiene, sanitation, and environmental cleanliness at the community level.
Despite these advancements, Kenya faces escalating threats from infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change. Zoonotic diseases, which emerge at the human-animal-environment interface, and climate-related disasters like floods and droughts, exacerbate health risks, disrupt services, and deepen inequalities. Muriuki stressed that these challenges require coordinated action beyond the health sector, highlighting the need for collaboration with agriculture, environment, and water sectors to assess risks, share data, and implement preventive measures.
KEPHIC 2026 will prioritize integrated surveillance systems, data sharing, and emergency preparedness to improve early detection of health threats. The conference will also explore climate-resilient health services, safe water access, and responsible waste management to reduce preventable illnesses. Community Health Promoters, who bridge households and health facilities, will contribute insights on ground-level challenges, ensuring policies align with local needs and communication strategies that build trust.
Research, digital tools, and innovation will be central to the discussions. Scientific presentations and exhibitions will showcase solutions for surveillance, service delivery, and emergency response, with a focus on scalability within national and county systems. Noncommunicable diseases, including those linked to air pollution and unsafe food, will also feature on the agenda, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to public health.
Quality and regulation remain critical, as Universal Health Coverage must guarantee services meet established standards. Strong regulatory frameworks, Muriuki noted, are essential to maintaining public confidence, especially during outbreaks or emergencies. The conference will also address the importance of accountability, with proposed mechanisms to ensure post-conference commitments translate into actionable policies.
The success of KEPHIC 2026 hinges on sustained collaboration and implementation. The proposed Kenya and East Africa Public Health Knowledge and Innovation Network aims to facilitate ongoing knowledge exchange among institutions. Muriuki emphasized that the conference provides an opportunity for all sectors and communities to recognize their interdependence and act collectively to safeguard health outcomes.
By strengthening prevention, cooperation, and accountability, Kenya seeks to advance Universal Health Coverage and secure a healthier future for current and future generations. The event underscores the urgency of adopting a One Health approach to address complex, interconnected health challenges in an increasingly globalized and climate-vulnerable world.
The conference’s agenda reflects a growing recognition that public health is not confined to hospitals but shaped by communities, ecosystems, and cross-sector partnerships. As Kenya prepares to host KEPHIC 2026, the focus remains on translating dialogue into tangible actions that protect lives and build resilient health systems.
Muriuki’s vision aligns with global health priorities, positioning Kenya as a leader in fostering innovation and collaboration. The event’s outcomes will be critical in shaping policies that address both immediate threats and long-term health equity, ensuring that Kenya’s public health future is both sustainable and inclusive.
The 2026 conference builds on Kenya’s existing public health initiatives, reinforcing the importance of community engagement, data-driven strategies, and cross-sector coordination. As the nation prepares to host this landmark event, the call for a "Shared Future" through One Health remains a guiding principle for addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern public health.