- KMA DESK
Thriving Beyond Practice: KMA Nairobi Division Symposium Puts Doctors’ Financial Wellbeing in the Spotlight
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) Nairobi Division brought together doctors and industry experts for an engaging symposium focused on a subject that is often overlooked in the medical profession—life beyond clinical practice.
Held on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at Mercure Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi, the symposium was held under the theme “Thriving Beyond Practice: Financial Wellness, Planning, and Investment.” The event provided a platform for doctors to explore practical approaches to financial planning, investment, wealth creation and preparing for life beyond active service.
The symposium was supported by Ecobank as the Platinum Sponsor, alongside other partners who contributed to making the event possible.
Looking Beyond the White Coat
The day opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Elijah Matolo, Chairperson of the KMA Nairobi Division, who encouraged participants to make the most of the symposium by engaging, networking and making the event social.
The sessions were moderated by Dr. Joseph Muruiruri, who guided participants through a series of thought-provoking discussions around financial wellbeing and planning.
In her keynote address, Jane Jelagat, Head of Products Segment at Ecobank, expressed appreciation to doctors for their sacrifice and dedication to keeping Kenya healthy.
She challenged doctors to consider an important question: Are we adequately prepared for life after active service?
Drawing attention to the need for greater financial preparedness, Jane encouraged doctors to think beyond clinical practice and plan for their individual needs, health, families and communities. She emphasized the importance of remaining active in family and community life while building a firm foundation that can support families long after one's active professional career.
Her message resonated with the central theme of the symposium: a successful medical career should be complemented by intentional planning for the life that comes after it.
Investing with Purpose
The symposium then moved into an engaging fireside conversation featuring Stephen Kagiri, Relationship Manager at Ecobank, and Elvis Oduor, Head of Business Development at Ecobank.
The discussion explored various investment options and the importance of making informed investment decisions.
One of the key messages was that there is no investment without risk. Rather than seeking investments that carry no risk, investors should understand the risks involved, conduct appropriate analysis and align their choices with their financial objectives.
The speakers also highlighted how investment strategies can evolve throughout a doctor's career.
For younger doctors, the focus should be on saving as much as possible and building a strong financial foundation. For middle-aged doctors, maintaining accumulated savings and strengthening pension arrangements becomes increasingly important. Senior doctors, meanwhile, were encouraged to consider reducing exposure to illiquid assets and ensuring that their investments remain aligned with their needs.
A recurring message throughout the discussion was the importance of asking:
>“What am I investing for?”
Rather than investing simply because an opportunity is available, doctors were encouraged to define their goals and select investments that serve a specific purpose.
Building Generational Wealth
The conversation on wealth creation continued with Patrick Masenge, Agent Manager at Prudential Life Assurance, who spoke about building and securing generational wealth.
Patrick took participants through the different phases of wealth building, beginning with the foundation years. He emphasized that wealth creation is a journey that requires discipline, intentionality and a long-term perspective.
The discussion highlighted the importance of starting early, building sustainable financial habits, protecting accumulated wealth and thinking about the legacy one intends to leave for future generations.
For doctors whose professional careers are often demanding and time-intensive, the session reinforced the importance of making financial planning an intentional part of life rather than something to be addressed later.
Thriving Beyond Practice
The symposium demonstrated that thriving as a doctor extends beyond professional achievement.
While years of medical training and service are dedicated to caring for patients and strengthening the health of communities, doctors also need to intentionally invest in their own wellbeing, financial security, families and future.
The conversations throughout the day provided practical insights into saving, investment, pensions, wealth protection, financial planning and generational wealth.
The symposium also offered an opportunity for doctors to connect, share experiences and learn from experts in the financial sector.
Partnership for Doctors’ Financial Wellbeing
KMA Nairobi Division appreciated the support of its sponsors and partners, whose contribution enabled the symposium to take place.
The partnership with Ecobank, as the Platinum Sponsor, underscored the importance of creating spaces where healthcare professionals can access relevant financial knowledge and make informed decisions about their futures.
As the medical profession continues to evolve, conversations around financial wellbeing, career transitions and life beyond practice remain increasingly important.
The Nairobi Doctors Symposium provided a timely reminder that **the journey does not end when the clinical career does.
It is about preparing today for the life, family and legacy we want to build tomorrow. Thriving beyond practice starts with planning beyond practice.
