Kenya urged to seek collaboration with China to boost traditional medicine

Fohow Vice President Jiao Peng and Fohow Kenya CEO Christine Wahu addressing the press during the anniversary celebrations in Nairobi.

Speaking during the first anniversary celebrations in Nairobi, Peter Liu, Africa  Manager-Fohow Group, pointed out that the country has a lot of potential but still lacks the knowledge, resources and technology that help  Kenya grow its traditional medicine sector.

“ Kenya is a country with lots of potential when it comes to traditional medicine and herbs uptake in African continent. However, they still lack the requisite skills needed to boost this sector. Despite the government offering tax relief for the players within this sector, much is needed and among them is a collaboration between Kenya and China,” said Liu.

During the event  the organization  engaged with local traditional medicine practitioners in Kenya, fostering a valuable exchange of best practices between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and local herbal medicine.

This collaboration aims to bridge cultural and medical knowledge, ensuring a holistic approach to health that combines the strengths of both traditions.

Liu also stated that the Fohow Group will start knowledge transfer between Kenya and China in the area of traditional medicine.

He added that:

“We have trained a number of our distributors on traditional Chinese medicine, hence they are our ambassadors. By doing so, we seek to build capacity in traditional medicine while enhancing the skills of local practitioners.”

The global leader in traditional Chinese medicine  has also developed a business model that supports economic empowerment.

FOHOW’s  Country manager Tina Kinuthia  said;

“We have a direct sales network that  creates entrepreneurial opportunities for  Kenyans and African youth  to distribute our products. This model not only promotes healthcare solutions but also provides income-generating activities, particularly for women and youth.”

Fohow Vice President Jiao Peng hinted that the organization plans to set up a manufacturing plant in Kenya to serve the African market.

“Our main goal is to have a manufacturing plant here in Kenya that will help us to integrate traditional Chinese medicine into Africa’s healthcare landscape presenting a transformative opportunity.  We believe that by  promoting natural remedies, fostering knowledge exchange, and creating economic opportunities, we  are  not only addressing health challenges but also contributing to Africa’s broader socio-economic development.” Peng said.

This new development comes at a time when President Xi Jinping  recently reaffirmed China's commitment to enhancing traditional medicine to better benefit people around the world.

In a letter addressed to the World Health Organization, Jinping stated that new collaborations are required from all sides to strengthen medical and health cooperation, jointly address global health challenges and promote the building of a global community of health for all.

Jinping’s a congratulatory letter was  sent to the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine, which recently took place in Beijing.

“China is willing to work with the international community to foster mutual learning in traditional medicines, integrate them more deeply into the global health system, and promote the innovative transformation and development of traditional medicine culture.” Quote from the letter stated.

The 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine is jointly held by the World Health Organization and Chinese sponsors including the National Health Commission.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the potential of traditional medicine to fill gaps in modern healthcare systems.  

The African Union's Agenda 2063, also  emphasizes the need to  leverage traditional knowledge for sustainable development that seeks to offer affordable quality  alternative treatment for the  underserved populations in the continent.

Fohow specializes in herbal-based supplements and wellness products derived from TCM. These products are designed to enhance immunity, boost energy, and address common ailments such as digestive and respiratory issues.