Kilifi County to issue licenses to traditional healers

Kilifi County Assembly will soon introduce a motion that if passed, will see traditional healers issued with licenses.

Elina Mbaru, who is the chairperson of the Children, Sports, Culture and Social services committee said a board to vet the traditional healers before they are issued with work permits has been formed.

According to Ms Mbaru, the board will also work on having various categories of the traditional healer and the fees to charge them.

“This will not affect the medical profession at all, we have issues that can only be addressed in the traditional way", she added.

The committee, she said, was visiting various Kaya elders within the county to collect their views as well as from the public to factor their sentiments in the bill.

If the bill goes through, traditional healers will operate freely without fear of being arrested.

However, the field has been flooded with imposters who lure unsuspecting clients and fleece money from them. Licensing is expected to help differentiate between genuine healers and fake ones.

Malindi Cultural Association (MADICA)) Secretary General Mr. Joseph Mwarandu said that Kaya elders are deliberating on the issue.

“We are tired of the killings that happen to is people and a time has come when they should be recognised as healers and not witchdoctors” said Mr Mwarandu.