NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya is stepping up efforts to formally integrate traditional medicine into its national healthcare system, positioning itself as a regional leader in evidence-based Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government is pursuing a structured approach that would see accredited traditional practitioners working within primary healthcare, supported by clear referral pathways, expanded scientific research and possible inclusion of approved traditional therapies in social health insurance benefit packages.
Speaking at the Second World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in India, Duale said the initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader push to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while safeguarding patient safety and cultural heritage.
“Kenya’s TCIM approach prioritises scientific evidence, safety, innovation, environmental stewardship and the respectful integration of indigenous knowledge,” Duale told delegates.
He said the summit’s theme, “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being,” closely mirrors Kenya’s ongoing health sector reforms, which are guided by the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
Regulatory framework in place
Duale noted that Kenya has already put in place a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework to support the integration of traditional medicine.
These include the TCIM Policy, the Traditional Health Practitioners Bill, a National Research Framework and the Herbalists’ Handbook.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the measures are aimed at professionalising the sector, improving safety and quality standards, and strengthening evidence generation.
Regulation of herbal and traditional medicine products is overseen by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) throughout the entire product lifecycle, supported by digital regulatory systems and specialised expert committees.
Kenya, he added, is recognised as a Regional Centre of Regulatory Excellence in pharmacovigilance.
The ministry has also adopted digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance regulatory efficiency, transparency and product evaluation.
Boost to local manufacturing
Beyond healthcare delivery, Duale said TCIM is contributing to local manufacturing, innovation and health sovereignty through incentives such as reduced regulatory fees, faster evaluation timelines and deliberate efforts to support domestic production of approved traditional medicines.
He underscored that Kenya’s Constitution protects biodiversity, promotes equitable benefit-sharing and recognises indigenous knowledge as a pillar of sustainable development.
Widely used but under-regulated
Traditional medicine remains a critical part of healthcare in Kenya, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Studies suggest that between 80 and 90 per cent of Kenyans have used herbal or traditional remedies at least once, driven by affordability, accessibility and cultural acceptance.
Globally, the WHO estimates that about 170 countries use traditional medicine, with between 40 per cent and 90 per cent of populations in these countries relying on such practices.
When scientifically evaluated and properly regulated, traditional medicine can complement modern healthcare systems and support goals such as UHC, the ministry said.
Duale reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with the WHO, Africa CDC and global partners to ensure traditional medicine is safe, well-regulated, evidence-based and culturally grounded.
