Kenya has highlighted its ongoing reforms in traditional medicine, emphasizing the integration of indigenous health practices into national healthcare during a Ministerial Roundtable on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in New Delhi.
The summit, hosted under the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being,” brought together global health leaders to discuss the future of integrative healthcare.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale represented Kenya, stressing that traditional medicine remains a cornerstone of Kenyan culture and a strategic component of the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Our approach to TCIM prioritizes safety, scientific evidence, and the protection of indigenous knowledge while aligning with WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034,” CS Duale said.
Kenya has implemented a comprehensive regulatory and policy framework to support traditional medicine. Key measures include the TCIM Policy, the Traditional Health Practitioners Bill, the National Research Framework, and the Herbalist Handbook.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board oversees the lifecycle regulation of herbal and complementary products, reinforced by digital monitoring systems and expert committees.
The country’s regulatory achievements have earned Kenya designation as a Regional Centre of Regulatory Excellence in Pharmacovigilance.
CS Duale noted that this status reflects the government’s sustained investment in patient safety and research-driven healthcare.
Kenya is also leveraging modern technology to advance traditional medicine, incorporating artificial intelligence, digital health tools, and genomic research to standardize practices and generate scientific evidence.
These efforts aim to integrate validated TCIM approaches into primary healthcare through accredited practitioners, referral pathways, and potential inclusion in social health insurance benefits.
The Ministry of Health emphasized collaboration with international partners, including WHO and Africa CDC, to ensure that traditional medicine is safe, regulated, and evidence-based.
CS Duale highlighted that such partnerships will strengthen Kenya’s health system while safeguarding cultural heritage.
Kenya’s focus on TCIM reflects a broader commitment to harmonizing modern medicine with indigenous knowledge.
The government aims to create an inclusive health system that recognizes both scientific standards and the cultural significance of traditional therapies for communities across the country.