Abstract:
This study aimed to document traditional medicinal herbs used by the Kikuyu community to contribute
to Sustainable Development Goal 3, ensuring good health and well-being. Since traditional medicinal
herbs are affordable, convenient and accessible, they are a good fit. The study’s objectives were to
identify existing traditional medicinal herbs, the challenges of using traditional medicinal herbs,
and the role of government in the traditional medicinal herbs initiative of the Kikuyu community
in Kiambu County. This research employed a case study qualitative research design, and qualitative
data was collected from Kihara ward, whose population stood at 395 for 65 years and above
respondents as of 2019. Purposive and snowballing sampling was adopted and yielded a sample
size of 46, with a response rate of 35 (76%) respondents comprising 31 elders above 65 years, three
traditional herbalists and one Nyumba Kumi leader. Data was analysed thematically. The research
identified and documented 34 traditional medicinal herbs from the Kikuyu community in Kihara
Ward, Kiambu County. The perception of traditional medicinal herbs plays a considerable role in
their usage, rooted among medical doctors, government officials, and the public, making it harder
to resolve. Documentation can help preserve this knowledge for present and future generations, as
well as the use of indigenous knowledge for research on medicinal drugs for revenue generation for
Kenya. The results of this study can be populated into a national database for a system that will help
Kenyans quickly access knowledge of traditional medicinal herbs
