Ayurveda's Growing Presence in Kenya

The recent passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in India, where he was undergoing Ayurvedic treatment, has cast a spotlight on this traditional Indian healing system and its increasing relevance in Kenya. Odinga, who collapsed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at an Ayurvedic facility in Kerala, India, and was later pronounced dead at a nearby private hospital, had previously seen his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, successfully treated with Ayurveda for optic nerve damage in 2019. This personal connection has brought the ancient practice into public discourse, highlighting both its perceived benefits and the ongoing efforts to regulate traditional and alternative medicine within Kenya.

Ayurveda, meaning 'knowledge of life' in Sanskrit, is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems, originating in India over 3,000 years ago. It operates on the principle that health is a balance of mind, body, and spirit, and that disease arises from an imbalance in the body's three fundamental energies or 'doshas': Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). Treatments typically involve a combination of herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation, focusing on internal cleansing and restoring natural balance.

Historical Context and Policy Landscape

Traditional medicine, including herbal remedies, has a long history in Kenya, with practices passed down through generations. However, its formal recognition and regulation have lagged behind conventional Western medicine. Historically, an Act of Parliament in 1925 even outlawed traditional medicine, terming it 'witchcraft'. Despite this, a significant portion of the Kenyan population continues to rely on traditional healing methods, particularly for non-communicable diseases.

The Kenyan government has, over the years, acknowledged the importance of traditional medicine in various policy documents, including the National Drug Policy of 1994 and the National Policy on Traditional Medicine and Medicinal Plants of 2005. More recently, the Health Act of 2017 proposed the establishment of a regulatory body to oversee traditional and alternative medicine, aiming to set minimum standards, register practitioners, and ensure compliance.

Towards Regulation and Integration

A significant step towards formalizing traditional and alternative medicine in Kenya is the proposed Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Bill, 2025. Sponsored by Seme MP James Nyikal, the Bill seeks to integrate traditional medicine into the conventional healthcare system as a complementary component. If passed, KEMRI would be mandated to evaluate the quality, safety, and efficacy of traditional and alternative medicines through biochemical and clinical trials. The Bill also proposes stringent quality controls, conservation of medicinal plants, and penalties for false claims or the sale of unsafe products, including fines of up to KSh 3 million or three years imprisonment.

The Integrated Medicine Society of Kenya (IMSK) has advocated for clear policies and regulations to ensure the quality and safety of traditional and integrative medicine products. They emphasize the need for medical herbalists to collaborate with trained pharmacists and doctors, and for practitioners to be vetted and licensed.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Dr. Rajinder Prashad, who runs an Ayurveda clinic in Nairobi, highlights Ayurveda as a natural system of medicine that focuses on addressing the root cause of diseases rather than just suppressing symptoms. Several Ayurvedic wellness centers and clinics operate in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya, offering various treatments and therapies.

The personal experience of the Odinga family has significantly raised the profile of Ayurveda in Kenya. Rosemary Odinga's recovery of sight after Ayurvedic treatment in India, following unsuccessful conventional treatments in other countries, was a powerful testament to the potential of this alternative therapy. This led to former Prime Minister Odinga expressing his desire to establish a similar Ayurvedic facility in Nairobi.

Evidence and Data

While Ayurveda has been practiced for millennia, scientific research on its efficacy in Western medical journals is still developing. Some studies suggest that certain Ayurvedic approaches, when used alongside standard medical care, may positively impact conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes by reducing pain, improving function, and managing symptoms. However, many of these trials are small or not well-designed, and more definitive studies are needed.

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of some Ayurvedic preparations, with reports of certain products containing potentially toxic levels of lead, mercury, or arsenic. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding metals in some Ayurvedic products. This underscores the importance of stringent regulation and quality control, as proposed in the KEMRI Bill, to protect public health.

Risks and Implications

The unregulated nature of traditional medicine in Kenya has historically posed risks, with consumers potentially exposed to unsafe or ineffective products. The proposed KEMRI Bill aims to mitigate these risks by introducing quality assurance standards, preventing misleading information, and criminalizing false claims. The integration of traditional medicine into the formal healthcare system could offer Kenyans a wider range of treatment options, but it necessitates careful oversight to ensure patient safety and the scientific validation of remedies.

Timeline and Next Steps

The Kenya Medical Research Institute Bill, 2025, is currently under consideration in Parliament. Its passage would mark a significant legislative milestone in the regulation and integration of traditional and alternative medicine in Kenya. The Ministry of Health is expected to develop guidelines for cross-referral of patients between conventional and traditional healthcare practitioners, as mandated by the Health Act of 2017.

What to Watch

The parliamentary proceedings surrounding the KEMRI Bill, 2025, will be crucial in shaping the future of traditional and alternative medicine in Kenya. The implementation of regulatory frameworks, the establishment of a national database for traditional knowledge, and ongoing research into the efficacy and safety of various traditional remedies will be key areas to monitor. The public discourse surrounding Ayurveda, fueled by high-profile cases, may also influence policy decisions and public acceptance of these healing systems.