Nairobi – In Nairobi, the National Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (NATHEPHA) conducted its historic national elections at Kariokor Social Hall on November 30, 2023, to bolster the organization and unite herbal medicine doctors. The elections led to the appointment of Paul Okibo as National Chairman, Simon Murangiri as Vice Chair, and Andrian Kamundi as Executive Secretary.
According to Kenya News Agency, the newly elected Executive Committee will oversee traditional medicine practitioners, providing support, training, and fostering unity. They aim to protect and promote indigenous medicine as a viable alternative to conventional medical treatments. Following his election, Okibo stated his commitment to collaborating with governmental bodies, including the Ministries of Culture and Health, to gain recognition and protection for herbal remedies.
Okibo emphasized the organization’s advocacy for research into medicinal herbs as affordable and effective alternatives for enhancing the health of Kenyans. He highlighted the constitutional recognition of NATHEPHA’s members and their services under Articles 11, 40, and 69(1) of the Kenya Constitution.
A partnership with the University of Nairobi is in place to train NATHEPHA members on herb accreditations, ensuring the administration of correct and quality herbal medicines. NATHEPHA has warned the public against consulting unregistered alternative health practitioners, some of whom may be fraudulent, and has encouraged collaboration to achieve objectives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.
The chair called for funding from health-focused development partners to recover and preserve indigenous medicinal plants and foods. He also urged members to cooperate with county forest and cultural officers to support the Kenya Kwanza government’s tree-planting initiative aimed at combating climate change and supporting food production.
Kamundi, the organization’s secretary, encouraged traditional medicine practitioners and associations in Kenya to register with NATHEPHA to form a strong network of natural therapists capable of providing reliable treatments. He expressed plans to engage with research institutions locally and internationally under Okibo’s leadership.
NATHEPHA aims to produce and package traditional medicines for local use and international export. The organization is seeking a partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to develop local solutions to health issues and compete globally.
NATHEPHA also requests a national government budget allocation for research to aid in the production of high-quality herbal medicines. Other elected officials include Emily Mukomunene (Women Rep), Anastacia Nthusi (Treasurer), Stanly Maiyo (Vice Sec), Nancy Ndubi (Assistant Treasurer), and Samuel Kabuga (National Inspector), among others.