Kenya and India Strengthen Collaboration Ahead of WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit
Nairobi, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale held a high-level bilateral meeting with the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, in preparation for the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit to be held in New Delhi from 17 to 19 December. The summit will draw on India’s extensive experience and leadership in traditional and complementary medicine.
Themed “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being”, the summit will provide an important platform to strengthen collaboration on regulation, research, and the safe integration of traditional medicine. Kenya is keen to learn from India’s advanced work in this area, showcase Africa’s own rich traditional medicine heritage, and work closely with India and WHO to enhance standards, build evidence, and advance Universal Health Coverage through safe and effective traditional therapies.
Hon Duale highlighted the longstanding partnership between Kenya and India, which has already improved patient care through specialised treatments, pharmaceutical cooperation, and joint training programmes. Kenya now plans to expand structured training, fellowships, and skills transfer in priority areas such as oncology, nephrology, biomedical engineering, mental health, and vaccine technology in order to build a more skilled and responsive health workforce.
He also noted Kenya’s strong potential to grow as a regional hub for high-quality medical services. With the right partnerships, including investment from reputable Indian hospitals, the country can reduce outbound medical travel and build a competitive medical tourism sector. He encouraged credible Indian institutions to explore opportunities for co-investment in centres of excellence, clinical research, and technology transfer within Kenya’s transparent regulatory and policy environment.
On regulatory matters, Hon Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s firm position. “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.” He stressed that patient safety, public protection, and the integrity of the health sector remain non negotiable. These safeguards ensure that credible investors and professionals operate in an environment of trust and accountability.
Looking ahead, Kenya will continue to leverage SDG 17 on partnerships to deepen cooperation with India and unlock new opportunities to strengthen both nations’ health sectors.
The meeting was also attended by India’s Second Secretaries, Mr Amardeep Barnwal and Mr Rishabh Rewar, together with the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni.