Kisii University on Monday, August 17, joined the race to discover a Covid-19 cure after partnering with herbalists from the region.
The University emphasised the need to go back to the traditional methods of treatment using herbal medicine which had proven to be effective on a number of ailments.
The herbalists claimed that one herb from the region could be used to treat a number of ailments, and if meticulously researched on, it could potentially birth a cure for Covid-19.
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Akama revealed that the herb was easily available in the region and other neighbouring countries.
"It is a legal document which binds us on how we are going to work together to do very serious scientific research and experimenting on various herbal plants.
"The herbs are found within Kisii region and even in the whole of Western Kenya including Trans Mara, Migori and Homa Bay," noted Akama.
He added that the memorandum of understanding was timely especially when the globe was fighting the Covid-19 pandemic with no proven cure or vaccine according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
One of the herbalists expressed delight after signing the partnership with Kisii University and hoped the herb could treat a number of terminal illnesses.
"We have tried looking for ways partner with the University and with luck, the Vice-Chancellor of Kisii University agreed to partner with us and work together.
"The research will seek ways of treating numerous ailments such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and Covid-19," he noted.
Back in May, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) began testing the efficacy of herbal drug known as Zedupex. It was developed in 2015 by Kenyan researchers and so far used in the treatment of herpes.
The search for both a cure and a vaccine for the Coronavirus has intensified around the globe, including in Kenya, as medical researchers race to find the elusive remedy.
Madagascar's Covid-19 drink dubbed Covid-Organics proved not be effective as the country registered a high number of Coronavirus cases in June and July.
