The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced the rollout of a pilot project aimed at integrating traditional medicine into the country’s health system.
As part of the project, KEMRI officials on Thursday, March 19, 2026, visited Elgeyo Marakwet for a discussion with county officials.
According to Governor Wisley Rotich, KEMRI has already identified more than 140 species of medicinal plants in the county.
The plans, Rotich said, have for years been used by traditional doctors to treat diseases like cancer.
They will now be part of the pilot programme that will incorporate herbalists and farmers.
“Since time immemorial, our people have relied on traditional medicine, especially for the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer. It is encouraging that scientists are now taking up the matter to provide scientific evidence,” the governor said after hosting KEMRI Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok.
“The national research institute has identified more than 141 target species of medicinal plants found in our county. Our herbalists and farmers will be enjoined in this venture and, through our tree-growing exercise targeting 60 million trees, will be supplied with seedlings of the identified plants,” he added.
The county boss further revealed that Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH) will be used as one of the centres to pilot the project.
