Duale Opens East African TCIM Forum, Calls for Stronger Regulation and Integration
Nairobi, - Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale has officially opened the East African Forum on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), highlighting the sector’s vital role in strengthening regional healthcare systems.
The forum, convening policymakers, researchers and practitioners from across the East African Community, focuses on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks to support the safe and evidence-based integration of TCIM into national health systems.
In his address, Hon. Duale noted that millions of East Africans rely on traditional and complementary medicine for everyday care, underscoring its continued relevance within primary healthcare. He emphasised the need for inclusive, people-centred and innovative models of care to address emerging infectious threats and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
“We must embrace innovative health system models that draw upon all safe, evidence-based forms of care,” the Cabinet Secretary stated.
He commended Partner States for developing policies, legal frameworks and strategic initiatives to guide safe and effective TCIM practice, stressing that regional cooperation through shared experiences and best practices will accelerate progress and address existing regulatory gaps.
Outlining Kenya’s national initiatives, Hon. Duale cited ongoing efforts to integrate traditional medicine into health priorities through policy development, structured research frameworks and a practitioners’ handbook to standardise practice. He highlighted the coordinated role of institutions including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the State Department for Culture and Heritage in advancing a whole-of-government approach.
The Cabinet Secretary linked Kenya’s efforts to global health agendas, noting alignment with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and reaffirming the country’s readiness to harmonise regional priorities within the East African Community.
He urged delegates to ensure the forum delivers actionable outcomes that strengthen regulatory systems, build institutional capacity and enhance coordination, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to integrating TCIM responsibly and scientifically while safeguarding public health and preserving cultural heritage.
Other speakers at the forum included Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, WHO Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Kimambo, Dr Pradeep Kumar from the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, and Dr Tido Schoen-Angerer of the TCIH Coalition.