Young Kenyans preserve indigenous medicinal knowledge and Mangrove Biodiversity

Elijah Mwadai, a 22-year-old in Majenjeni, Kilifi County, Kenya, works to protect indigenous plants and preserve traditional knowledge through the Matsia Herbal Group.

He collects seeds along the Sabaki River to nurture seedlings for the Sabaki Estuary. This initiative aims to safeguard biodiversity and the traditional medicinal uses of plants like Xylocarpus granatum, a mangrove species used by the local community to treat diarrhoea.

Elijah and other young people learn about traditional remedies from elders aged between 70 and 80 during meetings at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kidzumu. This intergenerational exchange helps maintain cultural practices as younger people face changing lifestyles. However, the group also faces social hurdles, as some residents remain skeptical of traditional remedies and associate them with witchcraft. Members like Christine Pendo Zombo, a 30-year-old tailor, also balance these community activities with their daily livelihoods and work responsibilities.

Scientific experts and regulators emphasize that traditional use does not guarantee safety or clinical effectiveness. Dr Festus Tolo of the Kenya Medical Research Institute says researchers must investigate plant compounds for toxicity and consistent dosage before a treatment can be considered safe for humans. While Kenya has laws like the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions Act, 2016, to protect community rights, trust remains a challenge. Many communities fear that their knowledge might be used commercially without fair benefit-sharing.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is currently working to regulate herbal products and establish standardized processing facilities. Dr Edwin Burugu of the board notes that many herbal products in Kenya are currently imported, presenting an opportunity for local production. By protecting the environment and documenting traditional knowledge responsibly, these young people aim to ensure that future generations retain access to these biological resources and the cultural heritage associated with them.