KCS43^rd

It is with great privilege and honor to welcome you to the 43^rd Kenya Cardiac Society Annual Scientific Congress 2026. From the 22nd to the 25th of July, we gather at the Pride Inn Convention Centre in Mombasa under a theme that speaks to our collective ambition and our shared identity: “Advancing Cardiovascular Care Through Continental Science.”

For decades, the default paradigm in African cardiovascular medicine has been to look outward—to adopt guidelines developed elsewhere, to seek training in distant institutions, and to rely on external data to shape our practice. That era is ending. We are witnessing a profound shift: the rise of African-led research, the strengthening of regional collaborations, and the emergence of a scientific voice from this continent that is increasingly informing global science. As KCS comes of age, this year’s congress is a celebration of that transformation and a commitment to accelerating it.

Kenya has long been a hub for cardiovascular innovation in East Africa. Yet we recognize that the burden of cardiovascular disease—whether rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, or the growing prevalence of coronary artery disease—does not respect borders. The solutions we seek will not come from isolated efforts. They will emerge from a united continental approach: sharing data, harmonizing training, conducting multi-center trials that reflect our populations, and building a body of evidence that is truly African in origin and global in relevance.

Our theme, “Advancing Cardiovascular Care Through Continental Science,” rests on three pillars that will guide our proceedings over these four days:

1. Evidence from Africa for Africa

The 43^rd Congress will showcase groundbreaking research led by African investigators—from epidemiological studies mapping the true prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors across the continent, to clinical trials evaluating locally appropriate interventions. We are proud to feature sessions dedicated to building research capacity, securing funding for African-led studies, and translating findings into practice that is relevant to our context.

2. Strengthening Continental Networks

The power of continental science lies in collaboration. Through partnerships with the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR), the African Research Network, and sister cardiac societies across the continent, we are building platforms for knowledge exchange, fellowship programs, and shared registries. This Congress serves as a convening point for these networks—a space to forge new alliances, align our priorities, and amplify our collective voice on the global stage.

3. Investing in the Next Generation of African Scientists

The future of continental science rests in the hands of our young researchers, cardiologists in training, and allied health professionals. We have dedicated significant programming to mentorship, research methodology workshops, and opportunities for early-career investigators to present their work alongside established leaders. It is our responsibility to nurture this talent, because the breakthroughs of tomorrow will come from those we empower today.

To our distinguished international guests and partners who have joined us from far beyond the continent, we welcome you. Your presence is valued, but our vision is clear: we are building capacity, not dependency. We invite you to walk alongside us in this scientific journey.

To our industry partners, thank you for your continued support of our mission and for recognizing the importance of investing in African science.

And to every delegate—cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, physician, nurse, researcher, trainee, and allied health professional—you are the heart of this movement. Your work, your curiosity, and your commitment to excellence are what will advance cardiovascular care across this continent.

Let us build the evidence. Let us strengthen our networks. And let us ensure that the future of cardiovascular care in Africa is shaped by Africa.

Welcome to the KCS Congress 2026. I look forward to four days of robust scientific exchange, meaningful connection, and shared purpose.

Dr. Mzee Ngunga

President

Kenya Cardiac Society