The government is moving to integrate traditional, complementary and integrative medicine into Kenya’s formal healthcare system, with the Ministry of Health finalising a national policy to guide the sector.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the National Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) Policy is at an advanced stage and will provide a framework for training, registration, licensing and regulation of practitioners.

Duale spoke in Nairobi on Monday during the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day celebrations at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

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The event was held under the theme, “Strengthening African Traditional Medicine through Research, Regulation and Integration for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”

Duale said the policy would help address longstanding gaps in the sector by establishing a structured system for recognising practitioners and setting professional standards.

He said traditional medicines and practices incorporated into the health system would be required to meet standards on quality, safety and efficacy.

"Today's commemoration reaffirms our commitment to harnessing the value of traditional medicine and integrating evidence-based traditional, complementary and integrative medicine into our health system by 2028,” Duale said.

He said Kenya’s indigenous knowledge could also support scientific research, innovation, local manufacturing and the development of health products.

“Our rich indigenous knowledge presents immense potential for research, innovation and product development,” Duale said.

He added that responsible integration would require “clear standards, defined scopes of practice, effective referral systems, reliable data and strong accountability”, with patient safety and quality at the centre.

The CS said the Government’s approach would involve research, quality assurance and regulation to identify traditional remedies and practices with demonstrable therapeutic value.

He linked the initiative to the Universal Health Coverage agenda, saying responsible integration could expand access to safe and culturally acceptable healthcare options.

Duale called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, researchers, practitioners, universities, regulators, industry and communities.

“I want to call for stronger collaboration among government, researchers, practitioners, KEMRI, universities, regulators, industry and communities to accelerate this agenda and position Kenya as a leader in traditional medicine research and product development,” he said.

The Ministry held a stakeholder validation exercise in April 2026 as part of efforts to finalise the policy. The process brought together stakeholders to scrutinise the proposed framework and provide technical input.

The policy is expected to undergo nationwide public participation before being submitted for approval.

The move seeks to provide a clearer framework for a sector that has operated within a fragmented regulatory environment, covering areas such as practitioner training, licensing, product safety, standardisation, research, intellectual property and protection of indigenous knowledge.

Duale said traditional medicine could also present economic opportunities through research, innovation and local manufacturing of health products.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, WHO Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo, KEMRI Board Chairperson Dr Abdullahi Ali and Chief Executive Officer Prof Elijah Songok, among other officials and stakeholders.

Health CS Aden Duale speaking at the ceremony. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO