Kenya to attend the WHO Traditional Medicine Summit in India for collaboration

KENYA— Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has met with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, to discuss Kenya’s participation in the upcoming WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit.

The summit takes place in New Delhi from December 17 to 19 and will showcase India’s extensive experience in traditional and complementary medicine.

The event carries the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being.”

It will create opportunities for countries to strengthen collaboration on regulation, research, and the safe integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems.

Kenya intends to learn from India’s advanced practices while highlighting Africa’s rich traditional medicine heritage.

The country also plans to work with India and WHO to improve standards, build evidence, and advance Universal Health Coverage through safe and effective traditional therapies.

During the meeting, Hon Duale emphasized the longstanding partnership between Kenya and India, which has already enhanced patient care through specialized treatments, pharmaceutical cooperation, and joint training programs.

Kenya now seeks to expand structured training, fellowships, and skills transfer in critical areas including oncology, nephrology, biomedical engineering, mental health, and vaccine technology. These initiatives aim to build a more skilled and responsive health workforce.

Hon Duale also highlighted Kenya’s potential to become a regional hub for high-quality medical services.

With strategic partnerships and investment from reputable Indian hospitals, the country can reduce outbound medical travel and develop a competitive medical tourism sector.

He encouraged credible Indian institutions to explore co-investment opportunities in centers of excellence, clinical research, and technology transfer within Kenya’s transparent regulatory framework.

The Cabinet Secretary addressed regulatory concerns firmly, stating that no unregistered or unauthorized practitioners will operate outside the law. Anyone facilitating illegal medical activities will face full regulatory and legal action.

He stressed that patient safety, public protection, and health sector integrity remain non-negotiable priorities. These safeguards ensure that credible investors and professionals can operate in an environment built on trust and accountability.

Kenya plans to leverage SDG 17 on partnerships to deepen cooperation with India and unlock new opportunities for strengthening both nations’ health sectors.

The meeting also included India’s Second Secretaries, Mr Amardeep Barnwal and Mr Rishabh Rewar, alongside Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni.