Kenya has been urged to explore strategic collaboration with China to enhance its traditional medicine sector. The call was made by the Fohow Group, a global leader in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), during the celebration of its first anniversary in Nairobi. This collaboration, the group emphasized, could unlock Kenya’s untapped potential in traditional medicine, bridging gaps in skills, resources, and technology.
Peter Liu, Africa Manager for Fohow Group, highlighted Kenya’s significant potential in embracing traditional medicine across the African continent. However, he noted that a lack of technical knowledge and resources has hindered the sector’s growth. Despite Kenya’s government offering tax incentives to encourage the sector’s expansion, Liu emphasized that collaboration with China is critical to driving progress.
“Kenya has immense potential in traditional medicine and herbs uptake. Still, it lacks the requisite skills to propel the sector forward. Collaborating with China will provide access to the much-needed expertise and resources,” Liu stated.
Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building
Fohow Group revealed plans to initiate knowledge transfer programs between Kenya and China to foster capacity building in traditional medicine. Liu explained that the organization has already trained several distributors as ambassadors of TCM. This initiative is expected to enhance the skills of local practitioners, fostering a knowledge exchange between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kenya’s indigenous herbal practices.
During the event, Fohow engaged with Kenyan traditional medicine practitioners, facilitating a meaningful dialogue on best practices. This exchange seeks to bridge cultural and medical knowledge, ensuring a holistic healthcare approach that combines the strengths of both traditions.
Fohow’s Vice President, Jiao Peng, also shared the company’s ambitions to establish a manufacturing plant in Kenya. This facility would serve the African market, integrating TCM into Africa’s healthcare landscape. “Our goal is to promote natural remedies, enhance knowledge sharing, and create economic opportunities. This approach addresses health challenges while contributing to Africa’s broader socio-economic development,” Peng explained.
Economic Empowerment Through Healthcare
Fohow’s business model goes beyond healthcare by providing economic empowerment opportunities. According to the group’s Country Manager, Tina Kinuthia, their direct sales network allows Kenyans, particularly women and youth, to become entrepreneurs by distributing Fohow products. This model not only enhances access to healthcare solutions but also supports income generation.
“We aim to empower young people and women through our direct sales network. This initiative not only addresses health needs but also creates sustainable economic opportunities,” Kinuthia said.
Global Endorsement of Traditional Medicine
The Fohow Group’s initiatives align with China’s broader agenda of promoting traditional medicine globally. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently reaffirmed this commitment in a congratulatory letter to the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the letter, Jinping emphasized the need for global collaborations to strengthen medical and health cooperation. “China is willing to work with the international community to foster mutual learning in traditional medicines, integrate them more deeply into the global health system, and promote their innovative transformation,” he wrote.
The WHO also recognizes the potential of traditional medicine in addressing healthcare gaps, particularly in underserved populations. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 echoes this sentiment, highlighting traditional medicine as a pathway to affordable and sustainable healthcare solutions.
The Path Forward
As Kenya explores avenues to strengthen its traditional medicine sector, partnerships with organizations like Fohow could be transformative. Through knowledge transfer, local capacity building, and economic empowerment, the collaboration could unlock the sector’s potential, integrating it into Kenya’s broader healthcare and socio-economic frameworks.
With plans to establish a manufacturing plant and promote natural remedies, Fohow Group is positioning itself as a key partner in Kenya’s traditional medicine journey, bridging healthcare gaps and fostering sustainable development across Africa.
