The Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) will host the inaugural Kenya Health Security Convention (KHSC) from 5th to 8th May 2026 in Mombasa, bringing together national and international stakeholders to advance health security and pandemic preparedness.
The four-day event will convene policymakers, scientists, One Health practitioners, health professionals, emergency responders, security experts, industry leaders, academia, and development partners to share insights, innovations, and strategies for strengthening health systems.
Theme and Objectives
The convention will be held under the theme “Advancing Health Security through Science, Innovation and Equity”, reflecting Kenya’s commitment to bridging gaps between research, policy, and practical public health measures. Participants will discuss approaches to address emerging diseases, climate-related health risks, and strategies to prepare for future pandemics.
Acting Director General of KNPHI, Dr. Kamene Kimenye, emphasized the importance of the event:
“The convention is a great opportunity for public health stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening health security and emergency preparedness. It aims to promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across all sectors involved in public health protection.”
She encouraged partners and stakeholders to support the initiative through technical expertise, policy guidance, and resources to enhance Kenya’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.
Strengthening Health Security and UHC
KHSC will also bolster KNPHI’s mandate by translating evidence into actionable interventions, breaking sectoral silos, and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a cornerstone of the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The biennial convention will feature research dissemination forums, high-level panel discussions, parallel workshops, exhibitions, and plenary sessions. Delegates from across Kenya and beyond will explore critical challenges and opportunities shaping the country’s health security landscape.
