Many Patients Turn to Alternative Therapies Due to Rising Medical Costs

A growing number of Kenyans are increasingly relying on alternative therapies—such as herbal medicine, naturopathy, and traditional healing—as a way to cope with the soaring costs of conventional medical care. According to media reports, patients in areas like Kiambu and Migori are turning to herbalists because modern clinic fees, drug prices, and treatment costs have become prohibitively expensive.
Health analysts say the trend is fueled not only by rising medical bills but also by shortages of essential medicines in public hospitals. In Kisii County, for example, some residents have reported self‑medicating with over‑the‑counter (OTC) drugs because of delays and denials in care from the Social Health Authority (SHA). Meanwhile, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is developing clinically‑validated, plant-based remedies for conditions like hypertension and immune disorders to offer cheaper, evidence-based alternatives.
Despite the appeal, medical professionals are sounding alarms about the safety of unregulated treatment. While alternative medicine has gained acceptance, critics warn that poor regulation and lack of standard guidelines could pose health risks.They argue that without stronger oversight and integration with formal healthcare services, the cost-driven shift toward non-conventional therapies could undermine patient safety.