Kenya is moving toward a major overhaul of how traditional and alternative medicine is practiced. Members of Parliament are currently reviewing the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Practitioners Bill, 2026, a move aimed at bringing order to a sector that millions of Kenyans rely on daily.


​For years, herbalists have operated without a formal legal framework. This new bill seeks to professionalize the industry, protect consumers, and ensure that indigenous medical knowledge is given the respect and scientific backing it deserves.


​The Highlights: Professionalizing the Sector


  • ​Mandatory Licensing: If passed, all practitioners must be registered and licensed. Operating outside this framework could result in heavy fines—up to KSh 3 million—or jail time.


  • ​KEMRI as the Gatekeeper: The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) will take the lead in testing herbal products. This ensures that what you buy is safe, effective, and not mixed with unregulated conventional drugs.


  • ​Weeding Out Fraud: The law takes a tough stance on "quacks" who make false health claims. It aims to protect the public from misinformation and dangerous concoctions.


  • ​Protecting Local Knowledge: The bill includes provisions for Intellectual Property rights, ensuring that local communities are fairly compensated when their traditional remedies are used to develop commercial drugs.


​The Road to Formal Healthcare


​The Ministry of Health views this as a vital step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). By regulating traditional medicine, Kenya follows in the footsteps of countries like China and India, where traditional and modern medicine work side-by-side in hospitals.


What This Means for You


​For the average Kenyan, this means more confidence in the herbal products you purchase. It bridges the gap between the lab and the local herbalist, ensuring that "miti ni dawa" (trees are medicine) remains a safe and reliable option for all.


​Stay tuned to Hamasta Media for more updates on legislative changes and healthcare news.