Kenya and India are deepening their health cooperation as preparations intensify for the upcoming WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from December 17 to 19.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale met with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, in Nairobi to discuss joint priorities ahead of the summit, which will draw on India’s extensive expertise in traditional and complementary medicine.
Themed “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being”, the summit will provide a platform to advance regulation, research, and safe integration of traditional therapies into modern health systems.
Kenya is keen to showcase Africa’s rich heritage in traditional medicine while learning from India’s advanced frameworks. Duale emphasized that collaboration with India and WHO will help build evidence, enhance standards, and support Universal Health Coverage through safe and effective therapies.
Highlighting the longstanding Kenya–India partnership, Duale noted achievements in specialized treatments, pharmaceutical cooperation, and joint training programs.
He announced plans to expand structured fellowships and skills transfer in oncology, nephrology, biomedical engineering, mental health, and vaccine technology to strengthen Kenya’s health workforce.
Duale also underscored Kenya’s potential to grow as a regional hub for high‑quality medical services. With investment from reputable Indian hospitals, he said, Kenya could reduce outbound medical travel and build a competitive medical tourism sector. He encouraged Indian institutions to explore co‑investment opportunities in centres of excellence, clinical research, and technology transfer.
On regulation, Duale reaffirmed Kenya’s firm stance against unregistered practitioners, stressing that patient safety and public trust remain non‑negotiable.
The meeting was attended by 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.
By Michelle Ndaga
