Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale engaged in strategic discussions with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, as both nations prepare for the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit scheduled for December 17 to 19, in New Delhi.
The conference will leverage India’s substantial expertise and pioneering role in traditional and alternative healthcare practices.
Operating under the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being”, the gathering will offer a vital opportunity to enhance partnerships in regulatory frameworks, scientific research, and the responsible incorporation of traditional healing practices.
Kenya seeks to benefit from India’s sophisticated achievements in this field, highlight Africa’s valuable traditional medicine legacy, and collaborate with India and WHO to improve standards, strengthen evidence-based approaches, and promote Universal Health Coverage through reliable traditional treatments.
CS Duale underscored the enduring relationship between the two countries, which has already elevated healthcare delivery through specialized medical interventions, pharmaceutical collaborations, and shared capacity-building efforts.
Kenya intends to broaden organized training initiatives, fellowship programs, and expertise transfer in critical sectors including cancer care, kidney disease management, biomedical engineering, mental health services, and vaccine development to create a more competent and adaptive healthcare workforce.
He further emphasized Kenya’s considerable capacity to become a regional center for premium medical services.
Through strategic alliances, including capital from established Indian medical institutions, the nation can minimize overseas medical referrals and establish a thriving medical tourism industry.
He invited reputable Indian organizations to pursue joint investment possibilities in specialized healthcare facilities, clinical research initiatives, and technology sharing within Kenya’s well-defined regulatory framework.
Addressing regulatory compliance, CS Duale reinforced the Ministry’s steadfast position that unlicensed or unauthorized practitioners would not be tolerated, with those enabling unlawful medical operations facing comprehensive regulatory and judicial measures.
“No unregistered or rogue practitioners will be allowed to operate outside the law. Anyone facilitating illegal medical activities will face full regulatory and legal action,” CS Duale said.
He emphasized that patient welfare, public safety, and healthcare sector credibility remain absolute priorities.
These protective mechanisms guarantee that legitimate investors and healthcare professionals’ function within a system of trust and responsibility.
Moving forward, Kenya will continue utilizing SDG 17 on partnerships to enhance cooperation with India and create new pathways to advance both countries’ healthcare systems.
