NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has committed to integrating Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into the national healthcare system as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services and accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during a high-level side event at the ongoing World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga said traditional medicine continues to play a critical role in addressing Africa’s growing healthcare challenges.
The session, themed “Traditional Medicine as Part of the Solution: Reimagining Primary Healthcare and Universal Health Coverage in Africa,” focused on expanding access to affordable and culturally accepted healthcare services across the continent.
Dr. Oluga noted that traditional medicine remains the first point of care for nearly 80 per cent of communities in sub-Saharan Africa due to its accessibility and affordability.
He said Kenya is strengthening the integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare through policy reforms, regulation, standardisation, and quality assurance measures.
“In Kenya, traditional medicine is central to community-level care,” the Principal Secretary said.
He identified the Traditional Medicine Policy as a key framework guiding the safe and evidence-based integration of traditional healthcare practices into the country’s medical system, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
According to Dr. Oluga, the policy seeks to improve collaboration between conventional healthcare providers and traditional practitioners through stronger referral systems and interdisciplinary partnerships.
The government also plans to expand scientific research, clinical validation, and documentation of traditional therapies to establish a stronger evidence base for treatment methods commonly used in communities.
Dr. Oluga said partnerships with universities, research institutions, and global health organisations will be critical in driving innovation and improving the credibility of traditional medicine practices.
He further called for structured training and certification systems for practitioners to improve standards and accountability within the sector.
The PS also advocated for regional cooperation in harmonising regulations and sharing knowledge among African countries to support the adoption of best practices.
He urged development partners and international health agencies to support implementation financing, saying investment in traditional medicine integration is essential in building resilient healthcare systems.
“Integrating traditional medicine is essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage across Africa,” he said.
Kenya’s approach aligns with the World Health Organization Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which encourages countries to adopt safe, effective, and people-centred integration of traditional medicine into national health systems.
The discussions build on commitments made during the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, where Kenya joined other African countries in advancing the traditional medicine agenda as part of broader healthcare reforms.
