Duale moves to formalise traditional medicine in Kenya’s health system

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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a major policy shift to formally integrate Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into Kenya’s national health system.

Speaking during the official opening of the East African Forum on TCIM, Mr Duale said the move aligns Kenya with the World Health Organization Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.

“Kenya has made deliberate steps to anchor traditional medicine within the national health agenda,” Mr Duale said.

He added that the integration will focus on safety, regulation and scientific backing.

“We must ensure traditional medicine is safe, effective and well-regulated. Integration must be evidence-based.”

Boosting primary healthcare

Mr Duale said proper integration of TCIM will strengthen frontline health services and speed up delivery of Universal Health Coverage.

“Effective integration will strengthen primary healthcare, expand preventive and promotive services and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage.”

The CS noted that traditional medicine can complement conventional healthcare in tackling the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and emerging infectious threats.

Research, regulation and regional standards

Kenya has developed policy frameworks, a structured research system and a practitioners’ handbook to standardise practice, he said.

“We will continue to invest in research and evidence generation, build practitioner capacity and strengthen quality assurance systems.”

Mr Duale also supported the establishment of an East African Community TCIM Network to harmonise standards across the region.

The two-day forum has convened policymakers, researchers and innovators to develop practical recommendations on integrating traditional medicine into national health systems.

Other speakers included Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, WHO Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Kimambo, Dr Pradeep Kumar from the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, and Dr Tido Schoen-Angerer of the TCIH Coalition.

The government says the initiative marks a structured shift from informal practice toward regulated integration within Kenya’s healthcare system.