NANDI TRADITIONAL HEALERS: SENTINELS IN AN UNDERSERVED ENVIRONMENT

Area of Science:

• Ethnomedicine
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Community Health

Background:

• Traditional healing practices are integral to many communities worldwide.
• Understanding these practices is crucial for holistic healthcare approaches.
• Nandi healers in Western Kenya represent a vital part of the local healthcare landscape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the healing practices and expressions of traditional Nandi healers.
• To identify perceived barriers to the practice of traditional healing.
• To document the experiences of herbalists and midwives in rural Western Kenya.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing individual recorded interviews.
• Data collection conducted in a private community setting in rural Western Kenya.
• Transcription and thematic analysis of interviews, with key messages corroborated by participants.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: knowledge of traditional healing, practice dynamics, compensation structures, interactions with outsiders, and future outlook.
• Insights into the specialized roles of herbalists and midwives were gathered.
• Perceived barriers and facilitators to traditional healing practices were identified.

Conclusions:

• Traditional Nandi healing encompasses a rich body of knowledge and practice.
• External factors and community perceptions significantly influence traditional healing.
• Further research and support are needed to ensure the continuity of these vital practices.