Kenya seeks stronger regulation and research for traditional medicine

During the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day commemorations hosted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), stakeholders called for enhanced research, regulation, and integration of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into Kenya’s healthcare system.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is advocating for stricter safety, quality, and labeling requirements for herbal medicines. Dr. Edwin Burugu, head of Herbal and Complementary Medicines at the PPB, emphasized that manufacturers must provide stronger scientific evidence and maintain standardized production to ensure consumer safety and build trust in traditional remedies.

KEMRI Vice Chancellor Prof. Elijah Songok highlighted the institute's commitment to generating scientific evidence regarding medicinal plants and traditional therapies to inform health policy and innovation. The event, opened by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, aimed to promote scientific research and increase public awareness of the role traditional medicine plays in achieving universal health coverage.