Table 7 The observed formal and informal practices in the sampled traditional medicine markets of Western Kenya
Formal practices | Market centre | Informal practices | Market centre |
|---|---|---|---|
Partial labelling (on paper packets or envelopes containing powdered TM product) and simple dosage prescriptions | Kakamega, Kitale | Oral or verbal dosage prescriptions | All TM markets |
Packaged medicine on plastic bottles, paper envelopes or polythene bags | Eldoret, Kitale, Kakamega, Luanda and Moi’s Bridge | Simple display of traditional medicine on polythene bags, used fertilizer bags, baskets and mats on floor surfaces, make-shift tables or stands | All TM markets |
Certification report on analysed medicinal plant samples | Kakamega, Kitale, Moi’s Bridge | Use of local languages and vernacular names of traditional medicine | All TM markets |
County officers issuance of receipts on market fees paid by TM traders | All TM markets | Sale of fresh and dried plant materials in chopped, ground form or whole plant material, twigs, leaves, roots, flowers, tuber; and animal products. Sourcing of plant materials from the wild | All TM markets |
Possession of Certification of Recognition/Practice from the Department of Culture | Kakamega, Kitale and Moi’s Bridge | No receipts issued on TM sales | All TM markets |
Use of portable microphones/speakers and recorded audio to advertise medicinal products to pedestrians and commuters | Kakamega | No information on probable side effects | All TM markets |
Market issues, concerns and TMPs welfare channelled through Traditional Herbalists and Practitioners Associations; Modest membership fee is charged | Luanda, Kitale | No scientific evidence on drug combinations and potential synergies | All TM markets |
Sourcing of supplies from field collectors and village based herbalists | Makutano, Kakamega, Yala and Eldoret | Most traditional medicine practitioners’ associations are headed by male practitioners | All TM markets |
Products diversification including trade on non-medicinal products: beads, calabashes, sweets/candy, snuff tobacco and processed imported herbal products | Eldoret, Kakamega and Kitale | Medical decisions are based on experience and apprenticeship | All TM markets |
A money-driven cultural-based enterprise | All TM markets | Traditional medicine knowledge passed orally | All TM markets |
Environmental consciousness and protection | All TM markets | Critical TM questions addressed by older practitioners | All TM markets |
TM trade governed by county by-laws, national laws and policies | All TM markets | TM practices governed by strict unwritten traditional laws, norms, customs, taboos and beliefs | All TM markets |