31/08/2026
Today, KEFRI led by our Director General Dr. Jane Njuguna joined the Ministry of Health, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and other stakeholders in commemorating African Traditional Medicine Day at KEMRI.
The event was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, who was the Chief Guest. Also present were Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, Prof. Elijah Maritim Songok, Ag. Director General and CEO, KEMRI, and other government officials, researchers and stakeholders.
In his remarks, CS Duale highlighted that traditional medicine has been part of African communities long before modern medicine, with valuable knowledge on the use of plants and other natural resources passed down from one generation to another.
He also recognised the important role of research institutions such as KEFRI and KEMRI in preserving indigenous knowledge and generating scientific evidence to unlock the potential of traditional medicine.
For KEFRI, this conversation begins with our forests. Many of the plants used in traditional medicine are found among our indigenous trees and other forest resources. Through research, KEFRI works to conserve, propagate and promote the sustainable use of these valuable species while supporting communities to understand and benefit from their potential.
The commemoration was therefore a reminder that protecting our indigenous trees and forests also means protecting a rich heritage of knowledge that has supported communities for generations.
Happy African Traditional Medicine Day.
