KEMRI explores partnership with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to advance alternative medicine research

By Stella Njung’e

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at advancing research, conservation, and sustainable use of medicinal plants in Kenya.

The Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok paid a courtesy call on the Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko represented by Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng, the Principal Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests on 11th March 2026 at the KFS Headquarters. The discussions centred on how both institutions can harness their respective strengths to advance research, conservation, and sustainable utilization of indigenous medicinal plants.

The proposed collaboration will focus on several key areas including mapping medicinal plants, supporting propagation and cultivation of priority species, and strengthening access to forest zones where rare medicinal plants occur. In addition, the collaboration would entail provision of seedling to help with the establishment of botanical gardens at various KEMRI centres to support research and production of alternative medicines.

Speaking during the engagement, Prof. Songok noted that Kenya possesses rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge that remains largely underutilized in health research.

“Kenya has a wealth of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge that remains largely underutilized. By exploring a partnership such as this one, we can generate the scientific evidence needed to change traditional remedies into safe, effective, and standardized medicines while ensuring the sustainable use of our natural resources,” said Prof. Songok.

His remarks were reinforced by the Ag. Deputy Director Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR), Dr. Jeremiah Gathirwa, who highlighted ongoing research efforts on medicinal plants.

“Currently, we have identified eight tree and shrub species that we would like to study further, particularly their phytochemical properties. We recognize that many of these trees and shrubs occur within protected forest ecosystems, and therefore a partnership that guarantees responsible access is important for us as an Institution. These species grow under very specific ecological and climatic conditions, which makes collaboration essential to ensure sustainable harvesting and conservation as we advance our research,” said Dr. Gathirwa.

The renewed focus on alternative research aligns with a growing global recognition of traditional and complementary medicine where countries such as India have successfully established alternative medicine through structured systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Through sustained investment in research, policy support, and regulation, India has demonstrated how traditional medicine can complement modern healthcare systems while also contributing to economic growth through the development of herbal products and pharmaceuticals.

Kenya’s efforts to validate and develop alternative medicines are long overdue, particularly given the country’s rich ecological diversity and longstanding use of herbal remedies within communities. A partnership with Institutions like KFS is critical to unlocking this potential while ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.

In addition, this collaboration aligns with President William Ruto’s national directive to plant at least 15 billion trees by 2032, an initiative aimed at restoring forest cover, combating climate change, and safeguarding Kenya’s natural ecosystems. In support of this national effort, KEMRI was allocated Elgeyo Marakwet County by the Ministry of Health, where the Institute has already planted over 5,000 Prunus africana seedlings, a tree known for its therapeutic properties and has been widely studied for its potential in the treatment of cancer and other conditions.

“The conceptualization of this partnership has come at the right time. It aligns with the Presidential directive on tree planting and offers an opportunity for Kenya to catch up with countries that have successfully integrated herbal therapeutics into modern medicine. I hope we can move this initiative from concept to development,” stated Dr. Ng’oriareng.

The KFS team included: Ms. Beatrice Mbue, Mr. Abraham Wata, Mr. Evans Moneno and Mr. Elijah Nyangoya. The KEMRI delegation also included: Dr. Esther Matu. Dr. Festus Tolo and Mr. Barnabas Kimatoi.

Both teams agreed to develop a formal partnership framework to guide collaboration and outline clear areas of joint work moving forward.