Kenya and India are moving to significantly strengthen their health cooperation, particularly in the traditional medicine, ahead of the upcoming WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in New Delhi from 17 to 19 December.

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 held a high-level bilateral meeting with the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, to finalize preparations for the major international event.

The summit will draw on India’s extensive experience and leadership in traditional and complementary medicine.

The summit, themed “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being,” will leverage India’s extensive global leadership in traditional and complementary medicine.

“Hon Aden Duale today 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,” Duale said.

Traditional Medicine and UHC

Kenya is keen to utilize the summit as a platform to enhance global standards and evidence for safe, effective traditional therapies.

He emphasized Kenya’s commitment to learning from India’s advanced work while showcasing Africa’s own rich traditional medicine heritage, with the ultimate goal of advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“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,” Report continues.

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Expanding Workforce and Medical Tourism

Beyond traditional medicine, the meeting focused on expanding the long-standing Kenya-India partnership, which currently encompasses specialized patient care, pharmaceutical cooperation, and joint training.

CS Duale outlined ambitious plans to secure structured training, fellowships, and skills transfer from India in priority areas, including:

• Oncology
• Nephrology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Mental Health
• Vaccine Technology

Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted Kenya’s strong potential to emerge as a regional hub for high-quality medical services.

He actively encouraged credible Indian hospitals and institutions to explore opportunities for co-investment in centers of excellence, clinical research, and technology transfer within Kenya.

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Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s firm position in ensuring those operating are registered and allowed to operate, adding that legal actions will be taken against those found not adhering to the laws.

“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.”

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Health Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale with the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, after a meeting in preparation for the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit. PHOTO/Ministry of Health/X